Monaco Grand Prix
Spectators view the Monaco Grand Prix from the terraces with a view of the harbour Getty

F1 continues its sojourn in Europe and this week the juggernaut has landed in one of the most favourite destinations for the drivers — the Monaco Grand Prix. The race in the Principality is the most glamorous weekend of the season, with racing being just a part of the experience.

There are parties, fashion shows and sponsorship events among plenty of other attractions, but come Sunday evening the racing takes centre stage. The track becomes the place to be in for the rich and famous who catch up on their love for cars and racing.

The Monaco Grand Prix for drivers is all about rhythm; it is not about the power of the car, but the drivability and the understanding drivers develop with their cars over the weekend on the tight and twisty street circuit.

Nico Rosberg has won the last three editions of the Monaco GP and will be keen to get back to winning ways after recording a DNF during the previous race in Spain – a collision with Lewis Hamilton took both the Mercedes' out of the race.

The Red Bull team showed good performance at the Circuit de Catalunya, especially in the slow corners when traction was paramount and they will be in a buoyant mood heading to the Principality, where good grip and the ability to accelerate well out of slow speed corners take precedence over power and top speed.

Where to watch live

The first practice session (FP1) of the Monaco Grand Prix starts at 9am BST, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website.

Live coverage of the second practice session (FP2) starts at 1pm BST.

Track Facts

  • Circuit name: Circuit De Monaco
  • First F1 Race: 1950
  • Circuit length: 3.337km
  • Number of laps: 78
  • Race distance: 260.286km
  • Lap record: 1'18.063 (Daniel Ricciardo)
  • Most wins: Ayrton Senna (6)
  • 2015 winner: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
  • 2015 pole: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Drivers' Championship review

Nico Rosberg (100 points) remains in the lead after winning the first four races of the season, but Kimi Raikkonen (61 points) closed the gap after both the Mercedes' failed to finish the previous race in Spain. Lewis Hamilton (57 points) and his teammate crashed on Lap 1 at the Circuit de Catalunya to give all the drivers in the four to close the gap.

Sebastian Vettel (48 points) is in fourth place level on points with Daniel Ricciardo while the Australian's new teammate Max Verstappen is in fifth just ten points behind after becoming the youngest race winner in F1 following his triumph in Barcelona.

The Red Bull team looks to be coming into the fight with Mercedes and Ferrari, and despite the Silver Arrows team being a little bit ahead, they are surely giving the Maranello-based team a run for their money to be the closest challengers to the reigning world champions.

Constructors' Championship review

Mercedes (157 points) retain the lead over Ferrari in the Contructors' championship, but allowed Ferrari (107 points) to close the gap following a double DNF in Spain. Red Bull (94 points) are also keeping pace with Ferrari after having a much more stronger start to the season than anticipated.

Williams (65 points) are in fourth place but are well clear of the chasing pack, which includes Toro Rosso, Haas, Force India and McLaren, who are all vying for fifth place, while also holding the hope of catching Frank Williams' team for fourth.