The race that every driver dreams of winning, the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is without a doubt the biggest event of the year in the principality. The countdown to this year’s edition has already started and in just a few weeks Monaco will host the crème-de-la-crème of the racing world plus 150,000 Grand Prix fans for a thrilling weekend of precision driving, exciting charity events and dazzling parties.
This year’s Grand Prix will kick off in mid-May with the 11th edition of the Historic Monaco Grand Prix. The fabulous biannual event will see over 180 classic cars line up to compete on the Monaco circuit. Always popular with car enthusiasts and racing fans, the 2018 Historic Grand Prix promises to be a unique opportunity to enjoy automobiles from the golden age of racing at their very finest.
Two weeks after the Historic Grand Prix, it will be all eyes on the principality when the biggest names in Formula 1 racing come to town. The most prestigious event in the F1 racing calendar, 20 drivers from 10 F1 teams will come together to race through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and compete for the chance to win the most challenging motor race in the world.
And it’s not just a sports event. Once the track action is finished for the day, Monaco comes alive with an unforgettable mix of VIP parties, clubs and live entertainment on offer. To make sure you don’t miss any of the glittering soirées held during the 4-day race period, we’ve put together a quick guide to the very best events in the principality. Get ready to experience the most glamorous Grand Prix race in the world, right here in the heart of the French Riviera.
Sunset
Billed as ‘the meeting point for the sophisticated set’, the Meridien Beach Plaza will once again be hosting their fabulous Sunset event during this year’s Grand Prix. Open from noon to midnight for 4 days only, Sunset is an ephemeral happening held at the Meridien’s exclusive private beach.
Watch the qualifying races over lunch in their chic waterfront restaurant, then get the party started as the house DJs get everyone up and dancing. With live performances from international artists promised throughout the weekend, this year’s edition of Sunset is sure to be an event to remember!
Rascasse
Set on the race track in the middle of the Formula 1 paddocks, the Rascasse is not just a bar, it’s an integral part of the circuit. Famous throughout the world for its incredible location and fantastic Grand Prix events, the Rascasse knows how to throw a party.
Always a popular hangout for Formula 1 team members, this year they’ve put together an exciting programme of events for Grand Prix week. Watch the race up close from their private terrace, catch live music from acts like Cabine 13 and Fox over the weekend then dance the night away at their Sunday evening ‘Hero Seven’ event. For a taste of the racing lifestyle, you can’t beat this lively trackside hangout!
The Paddock Lounge
Following on from the success of last year’s event, the Hotel Hermitage will be bringing back their exclusive temporary concept, The Paddock Lounge in 2018. Set in the Salle Belle Epoque which has been redesigned especially for the event, the Paddock Lounge will be offering guests an elegant finger buffet prepared live by their world-renowned chefs plus a food truck with delicious snacks in the Square Beaumarchais.
Take a spin on the most famous racing track in the world with one of their F1 virtual reality simulators, keep the kids busy with the model racing car circuits, or simply relax and watch all the action on one of the big screens dotted around the lounge. With a sunny bar and terrace overlooking the racetrack and live music from the house DJs, this is the perfect spot for GP fans to enjoy the race in luxurious style.
Blue Bay
Over at the Monte Carlo Bay this year the theme of the Grand Prix weekend is celebration, in all senses of the word. Michelin-starred Marcel Ravin has prepared a 7-course ‘Celebration’ tasting menu to be enjoyed in their fabulous Blue Bay restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. And French Riviera resident DJs, Mr Luke and DJ Fab D will be lighting up the dance floor over at the Blue Gin bar with their signature mix of house, disco and funk tunes from Friday until Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended!
Jimmy’Z
Known as Monte-Carlo’s temple of clubbing, legendary nightclub Jimmy’Z is renowned for its epic Grand Prix events. Home of the annual VIP Philipp Plein Official Party, Jimmy’Z is quite simply the place to see and be seen during the GP weekend.
Fully revamped following a makeover in 2017, the club now has a brand new floating summer bar and open-air tables overlooking the dancefloor. This year’s Grand Prix lineup has just been released and includes live performances from Sean Paul, DJ Cassidy, G-Eazy and DJ Cruz, not to mention a Sunday night groove session with Coffee and Virgil Abloh. With the best sound system in Europe, an electric atmosphere and champagne on tap, Jimmy’Z is always an unforgettable GP experience!
The Amber Lounge
A lifestyle experience in itself, the Amber Lounge is the most exclusive party in Formula 1. Created in Monaco, the Amber Lounge Euphoric day-and-night after parties are always the hottest ticket in town.
This year’s events will start on Friday evening with U*nite, a unique clubbing concept . Featuring the Amber Lounge Fashion Show, the evening will see various F1 drivers try their hand at catwalk modelling to raise money for charity. The fashion show will be followed by an auction and Dining & Fashion after-party with VIP and celebrity guests, definitely not one to miss.
Saturday sees a vibrant after-party EXTRAVAGANZA held in the port with non-stop entertainment from international artists and DJs until the sun comes up over the principality.
On Sunday, the F1 teams and drivers will gather in the Amber Lounge for the most -anticipated post-race party in Formula 1. Celebrate the end of another successful Monaco Grand Prix with iconic live acts, international DJ’s and unlimited champagne, this is the ultimate GP after-party!