One of the stand-out events on the summer sporting calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix returns this weekend and it promises to be race tinged with sadness as the first since one of the sport’s great pioneers Niki Lauda died on Monday.
Tributes to the charismatic Austrian are planned including a minute’s silence at the showpiece event on the French Riviera, which traditionally attracts the great and good.
Few events can compete with the Monaco Grand Prix in terms of prestige and out-and-out glamour. Even non-F1 fans are drawn to the race which winds its way through the streets of Monte Carlo, evoking memories of the golden age of French cinema and glamour.
Despite its reputation, many drivers past and present have gone on record to voice their dislike at the track - its tight corners and narrow roads often contributing to boring races which do not match the beauty of its surroundings. But rain is forecast in France this weekend which could make the event a whole lot more interesting.
Lewis Hamilton is on top of the Drivers' Championship with his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas seven points behind him as the F1 season starts to hit its stride.
Here’s all you need to know about this weekend’s race…
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Mercedes have five wins from five races in the 2019 F1 World Championship
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Mercedes have 16 of the last 26 winners since the start of 2018 F1 World Championship
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Mercedes have won four of the last six races at the Monaco GP
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Lewis Hamilton was a Monaco GP winner in 2016, 3rd in 2018 - three wins already this season, two 2nd places. He hasn't finished outside of the top three since (only finished outside the top three once in his last 17 races). Not finished outside the top two this season
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Valtteri Bottas finished ahead of Hamilton in the 2017 Monaco GP and has two wins this season as well as three runner-up spot
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Expect to pay €100,000 for a five-day stay in Monaco's prime berths during the Grand Prix
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30% of Monaco’s population made up of millionaires
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VIP Hospitality Elite terrace tickets sold out, costing £3,461.79 per ticket
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It takes two months to set up the Monaco GP track
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Ayrton Senna has won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories, winning five races consecutively between 1989 and 1993
