Set against a magnificent backdrop, Monaco is among the most glamorous races in the world.
The culture has inevitably inspired the Formula 1 event, along with those who dare to race there.
Author Stuart Codling walks us through the race’s unique history in The Life: Monaco Grand Prix.
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Monaco is a stupid, insane race. People say that now, but it was crazy back when Antony Noghès dreamed up the idea 100 years ago, and it’s crazy now. The Monaco Grand Prix is best captured in one of my favorite racing stories. In 1978, then rookie Nelson Piquet raced at Monaco for the first time. He had a rep as both a young hot shoe and a young hothead. He was brave and impetuous, and cocky as only a Brazilian racer can be. When he came back from his first practice laps, he shut off the car, climbed out, removed his gloves, and pulled off his helmet and balaclava. A mechanic asked, “Well Nelson, how was it"” with a grin.
“How was it" How was it"” answered Piquet, his eyes like saucers, “It’s like flying a helicopter around my living room!”
And, as near as I and author Stuart Codling can tell, that’s as accurate a statement as any.
Inside The Complexities of The Monaco Grand Prix
At around 250 pages, The Life: Monaco Grand Prix by Codling is not all that big, but, like its subject, comes packed with exquisite deta...