From Monte Carlo to the Movies: F1’s crown jewel gets a blockbuster twist

Dubai: The “Crown Jewel” of Formula 1 — that’s the long-standing moniker of the Monaco Grand Prix, where the world’s most glamorous motorsport event roars to life this weekend. First held 71 years ago, it remains the most prestigious race to win on the Formula 1 calendar — no debate there.

It’s also the sport’s slowest race — but paradoxically, the one that feels fastest from the trackside.

Monaco is the one race whose place on the calendar is questioned year after year. Given the high likelihood of processional racing, the familiar debate resurfaces: “Should Formula 1 still race in Monaco?”

Old-school fans — the lifers who’ve followed F1 for decades — swear by the unique challenge posed by the principality’s narrow, unforgiving streets. “It’s pretty insane,” said reigning World Champion Max Verstappen when asked about the Monaco challenge.

The newer crowd, drawn in by flashy marketing and Netflix’s Drive to Survive, often aren’t sold. If qualifying on Saturday practically seals the race result, they ask, is Monaco still relevant?

For the drivers — the stars of the show — Monaco remains the race to win. Alongside the prestige of lifting the trophy handed over by the Prince and Princess of Monaco, there’s the joy of winning in front of friends and family. After all, nearly 75 per cent of the grid lives in Monaco.

Another big-ticket attraction this weekend? F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt and an ensemble of A-listers, is set to hit theatres globally on 25 June. But Pitt isn’t the most interesting part.

Lewis Hamilton, former World Champion and global icon, is an advisor for the film, ensuring the racing action stays authentic. In a first-of-its-kind crossover between sport and cinema, the movie features all 10 F1 teams, their drivers, the FIA, and race promoters — and was filmed in real time during the 2024 season.

Mercedes even helped convert Formula 2 cars to mimic Formula 1 machines for APX GP — a fictional 11th team created for the film.

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, 18 drivers attended a private screening of F1: The Movie. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who races at home this weekend, said: “It’s absolutely great for the sport to have a movie like that. I’m super impressed by how the camera was put onto the cars and the angles that we see from the cars driving.”

While the drivers appreciated the film’s creativity and visual style, they were unanimous in agreeing that the goal is to attract new fans.

Two drivers opted out of the private screening. One was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. “I just wanted to spend more time at home. When you’re away from home so often, it only seems normal to want to spend all the time you have at home,” he said.

Verstappen, who recently became a father to daughter Lily just before the Miami Grand Prix, also spent time sim racing for Team Redline — this time under his new pseudonym Franz Hermann.

The other driver who skipped the screening? Lance Stroll — Aston Martin’s only points scorer in 2025.

— Kunal Shah is an FIA-accredited Formula 1 journalist & a TV expert. He is the former Head of Marketing, Sponsorship & junior driver programme at the Force India F1 team.