April 2021 marked a ‘mini-homecoming’ for the Monegasque F1 driver Charles Leclerc, as the racer gifted his iconic Ferrari single seater F1 race car SF90 to HSH Prince Albert. This car was driven by Leclerc during his victories at the Belgian GP and the Italian GP in the 2019 season, a feat the entire Principality is proud of.

At the Belgian Grand Prix, started the race in pole position, and continued his dominance throughout the race, finishing first. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas finished behind in second and third position respectively. Leclerc’s teammate, Sebastian Vettel, just missed out on the podium, as he finished at a more than respectable 4th position.

Similarly, at the Italian Grand Prix, Leclerc started at pole position and finished at the same. Hamilton and Bottas switched positions however, with the latter finishing second this time. Vettel however, managed to finish at a mediocre 13th place, especially since Ferrari is considered to be one of the best teams in the game.

Considered by many as one of the best drivers on the grid, Leclerc was gifted the car by the Scuderia Ferrari team; and as a tribute to the place he grew up in, he then decided to pass on the present to the sovereign. The SF90 adds to the Prince’s personal car collection, or the Monaco Top Car Collection as it is so often called. The collection already includes a Porsche 928, 1986 Lamborghini Countach, 1942 Ford GPW among others, which have been collected over a period of more than 30 years.

Speaking about the car, Prince Albert said –
“It’s wonderful! I thank Charles very much for having made this gesture to us and it is true that it has its place here. It fits perfectly into the logic of the Collection, which is to present old and modern vehicles, which trace the history of the automobile and motor racing.”

The collection currently sits at the terrace of the Fontvielle Centre Commercial; and is currently closed to the public due to the Pandemic. However, when it does re-open, it will surely create a certain buzz.

Article by Aakash Damani (International University of Monaco)

Following numerous requests coming from competitors, partners and spectators of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the Organizing Committee at Automobile Club de Monaco – after achieving a feasibility study internally and receiving the final approval from the Monaco Government – has the huge pleasure to announce that the 12th edition of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, initially planned for May 8-10, 2020, will be organized from April 23 to 25, 2021.

The year 2021 will be exceptional since past, present and future will be declined in three prestigious events in the streets of the Principality: the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historiquewill be followed by the 4th Monaco E-Prix (Saturday May 8, 2021)and the 78th Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix (May 20-23, 2021)*.

This is a huge logistical challenge for the team and staff at Automobile Club de Monaco, for all major players and authorities of the Principality of Monaco, as well as for the 3,000 volunteers – among them 650 stewards and track marshals – whose role will be crucial for the success of the three events.

« To organize three races in the space of one month will be a premiere for us all at ACM », explains Christian Tornatore, the General Commissioner of Automobile Club de Monaco. « The logistical side promises to be complex, but not impossible to manage! Because of the new constraints, we shall need to start setting up the track earlier than usual, at the end of February, instead of March 15. We will then integrate the technical aspects, on and around the track, required by every category that will be involved. In order to achieve this, we will count on the experience and flexibility of all the persons involved, in order to achieve our objectives …»

Last but not least, please note that the next edition of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the 13th of the series, will take place from May 13 to 15, 2022…

(*Provisional dates, subject to calendar approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council)

Faced with rumors... (Published on 18 January 2021)
Despite the latest rumors circulating on certain websites and social media, the Automobile Club de Monaco can confirm that the 78th Formula One Monaco Grand Prix will take place from May 20th to 23rd, 2021. The ACM also confirms the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (April 23rd-25th 2021) and the 4th Monaco E-Prix (May 8th 2021)…

Automobile de Monaco Website