Grand Prix de Monaco Historique

Niki Lauda headlines the poster

The 2026 edition pays tribute on its poster to one of the greatest names in Formula 1: Niki Lauda, 50 years after his two consecutive victories at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1975 and 1976.

This poster revisits the original 1976 visual created for the 34th Monaco Grand Prix. The visual identity draws on the authentic aesthetic of that golden period, featuring the triumphant Ferrari 312 T against the backdrop of Monaco's prestigious setting in all its contemporary splendour.

Monaco goes turbo

The turbocharged Formula 1s that raced in the Monaco Grand Prix between 1981 and 1985 are taking part in the 15th edition of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Changes to the FIA regulations have allowed the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) Organisation and Selection Committee to reserve a specific class for these cars.

The real stars of the show are undoubtedly the 3-litre cars that make the hearts of Formula 1 purists beat faster. Predominantly powered by the legendary Ford Cosworth DFV V8, these cars revolutionised the world of motorsport back in 1966, propelling the sport to an unprecedented international dimension.

The field will feature between 80 and 100 machines in categories D to G, all meticulously restored and maintained in exceptional original condition. These mechanical jewels will boast superior performance to the original, benefiting from modern tyres and contemporary safety standards to race on the legendary Monegasque circuit with remarkable efficiency.

Keen to preserve the Grand Prix's identity, the organisers have decided to keep the A1 Series, reserved exclusively for pre-war cars, as the Bugattis (35, 37 and 51) and Maseratis are the DNA of this Monaco Grand Prix.

Le Film | Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2024

Tributes and anniversaries

In the authentic and majestic setting of the Circuit de Monaco, several great dates in the history of motor racing will be celebrated during this 15th edition of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.

  • 100 years ago (1926 ) - Maserati made its racing debut.
  • 80 years ago (1946) - the first Gordini imagined by Amédée, the great French wizard of Italian origin.
  • 60 years ago (1966) - the new regulations on F1 engines (3-litre cubic capacity) came into force, allowing McLaren to make its Grand Prix debut; Guy Ligier made his debut in the premier discipline with a Cooper... powered by a Maserati V12.
  • 30 years ago (1996) - Thanks to Olivier Panis, Ligier won its only Monaco Grand Prix, the only post-war victory for a French car.

Going back in time

Organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) since 1997, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, which takes place every two years before the Formula 1 Grand Prix, has become a not-to-be-missed event for collectors from all over the world and for enthusiasts of exceptional cars.

The event is a huge hit with the public, who turn out in ever-increasing numbers for each edition.
The year 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the one and only Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco to be held outside the championship, and reserved for cars in the "sport" category rather than single-seaters.

All in all, an exceptionally rare line-up awaits spectators, with several starting grids each as different as the next.

For three days, the competitors will be sharing their passion for competition at the highest level with the public, in real race situations. With the added bonus of the sounds and smells that characterise their cars of yesteryear, on a circuit built in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, whose layout is 80% identical to that of 1929, and is still used today as part of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

A superhero in the race

In 2010, film fans discovered that the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is part of a Hollywood feature film: Iron Man 2.

Robert Downey Jr. came to Monaco in May 2009 to play the legendary superhero, Iron Man, and film an explosive action scene in the film set during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.

1800 parking spaces

The Parking des Salines at the western entrance to the Principality, opposite the Exotic Garden, can accommodate motorised spectators, offering easy access to the circuit as well as preferential rates.

The Circuit de Monaco can be reached either on foot, in 15 minutes, by taking the Galerie des Salines and following a meticulously signposted footpath, or by taking one of the shuttle buses provided by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco, which are free on presentation of a parking ticket.