From 24 to 26 April 2026, the Monaco Historic Grand Prix celebrates its 15th edition with a tribute to Niki Lauda. Discover how to experience this unique event from Port Palace, a 4-star boutique hotel at the heart of the circuit.
Every two years, Monaco lives to the rhythm of a one-of-a-kind event: the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. From 24 to 26 April 2026, the streets of the Principality transform into a living circuit to celebrate vintage racing cars. Ferrari, Bugatti, Maserati, Lotus - the most prestigious names in motorsport history parade through the legendary Monaco track, in an atmosphere that blends nostalgia, passion and rare spectacle.
Staying at Port Palace, a 4-star boutique hotel perfectly located on Port Hercule, means experiencing this exceptional event from the very heart of the circuit. Just steps from the corners and grandstands, you enjoy privileged access to one of the great appointments of the Monegasque season.
Book your room for the Historic Grand Prix
4-star boutique hotel on Port Hercule - at the heart of the circuit
Check AvailabilityWhat is the Monaco Historic Grand Prix?
The Monaco Historic Grand Prix is a motorsport competition dedicated to authentic vintage racing cars that competed in international races between the 1930s and 1985. Unlike the Formula 1 Grand Prix held every year in May, this biennial race is organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco and honours the sporting heritage of motorsport in all its glory.
Each participating vehicle is a certified collector's piece, classified into 7 to 8 series according to its year of manufacture and technical specifications. Over three days, these series take turns on the circuit, offering a continuous and varied spectacle. From pre-war single-seaters to turbocharged Formula 1 cars of the 1980s, the variety of machines is breathtaking.
The circuit is identical to that of the Formula 1 Grand Prix: the same chicane at the port, the same dark tunnel that opens into full light, the same Rascasse corner. But the sound of vintage engines, the colours of historic liveries and the more intimate atmosphere of the paddocks give this race an emotional dimension that aficionados describe as unmatched.
The 15th Edition 2026: A Tribute to Niki Lauda
The 15th edition of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026 pays special tribute to Niki Lauda, fifty years after his two consecutive victories on the Monaco circuit in 1975 and 1976. The official visual for this edition revisits the spirit of the original poster created for the 34th Monaco Grand Prix of 1976, blending contemporary design with historical iconography.
Among the headline series of this edition, the turbocharged Formula 1 cars that raced at the Monaco Grand Prix between 1981 and 1985 promise to be one of the highlights of the weekend. These powerful machines, which defined an entire era of top-level motorsport, return to the circuit where they shone forty years ago.
The great marques will naturally be present: Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, Lotus, Matra and many others will line up on exceptional starting grids. Each car tells a story, each driver in period overalls perpetuates a living tradition.
| Day | Programme | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 24 April | Free practice - all series | Relaxed, ideal for families |
| Saturday 25 April | Qualifying + first races | Competitive, rising intensity |
| Sunday 26 April | Main races - finals | Intense, podiums and celebrations |
Indicative schedule. Check the Automobile Club de Monaco for the official detailed programme.
Why Stay at Port Palace for the Historic Grand Prix?
Port Palace's location on Port Hercule offers a unique perspective during the Historic Grand Prix. Situated at the heart of the circuit, the hotel lets you feel the pulse of the event from Friday morning, with no travel and no waiting.
A Prime Position at the Heart of the Monaco Circuit
Port Hercule runs directly alongside one of the circuit's most spectacular sections: the harbour chicane, laid out by the sea, offers one of the most dramatic braking moments in motorsport history. From Port Palace, the best grandstands and viewing areas are just a short walk away.
Monaco is a city-state of less than 2 km2: everything is close, everything is walkable from our hotel. No overcrowded shuttles, no queuing for transport - just the pleasure of experiencing the event at your own pace, and returning to rest between races with ease.
Boutique Hotel Comfort During a Major Event
During Monaco's major events, quality accommodation is booked months in advance. Port Palace offers the intimacy and calm of a boutique hotel with 50 rooms and suites, away from the bustle of the Principality's larger establishments. Personalised service takes priority over volume.
Our guests benefit from a concierge service fully dedicated to organising their stay: guidance on the best grandstand seats according to their preferences, restaurant recommendations, and logistical coordination to make the most of every day of the event.
The restaurant La Mome, at the heart of the hotel, serves refined Mediterranean cuisine - an ideal address for a convivial dinner after an emotion-filled day on the circuit.
The Concierge's Tip
For the Historic Grand Prix, the Anthony Noghes Corner grandstand (T5) offers a view over two consecutive corners and excellent conditions for photography. Friday (free practice) is the best time to visit the paddocks and get close to the teams, in a more relaxed atmosphere than race days.
When staying at Port Palace, our guests benefit from a concierge service to organise every detail of their sporting weekend.
Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026 Schedule
The three days of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026 offer a packed programme, structured to allow you to make the most of the event at every stage:
- Friday 24 April 2026 (Free Practice): The various series take turns on the circuit for practice sessions. An ideal day to discover the cars up close, visit the paddocks and photograph the machines in a more accessible atmosphere than on race days. Preferential entry fee.
- Saturday 25 April 2026 (Qualifying and First Races): The pace intensifies. Starting grids take shape and the first heats reveal the contenders for Sunday's victories. A day particularly appreciated by committed enthusiasts.
- Sunday 26 April 2026 (Main Races): All series compete in their finals. The big day - pure emotion, overtaking manoeuvres, retirements and podiums celebrated under chequered flags. The most sought-after day, which must be booked well in advance.
For the full official programme and detailed timings, visit the official ticketing of the Automobile Club de Monaco.
Tickets and Packages: How to Organise Your Weekend?
The official ticketing for the Monaco Historic Grand Prix is managed by the Automobile Club de Monaco. Places are available individually or as multi-day packages:
- Friday (free practice): preferential rate around EUR 175, perfect for a first visit or as part of a full weekend
- Saturday (qualifying + races): around EUR 450, a very popular day among enthusiasts
- Sunday (main races): around EUR 950, the most in-demand day - book well ahead
- 2 or 3-day packages: the ACM offers around 10% discount on individual tickets for multi-day packages
Specialist operators also offer complete packages combining tickets and accommodation. By booking your room at Port Palace directly, you retain the flexibility to choose your tickets independently, and our guests benefit from our team's recommendations on the best viewing locations.
For a complete Monegasque sporting season, the April Historic Grand Prix pairs perfectly with the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix in May 2026: two events, two atmospheres, one legendary circuit.
Monaco in April: The City Beyond the Circuit
The Historic Grand Prix weekend is also an opportunity to discover Monaco in spring, one of the most beautiful seasons in the Principality. The gardens are in bloom, the Monte-Carlo terraces come alive and the Mediterranean light of April is particularly luminous and photogenic.
Our complete guide Things to do in Monaco in spring will give you all the ideas for activities to combine with your sporting weekend: museums, walks on the Rock, restaurants, moments of relaxation.
On the sidelines of the races, many vintage car exhibitions are organised in the streets and squares of Monaco. Iconic brands and private collectors present exceptional vehicles, turning the entire Principality into an open-air automotive museum for the whole weekend. The Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo also offers a rich musical programme at the same time, for those who wish to alternate sport and culture.
Book your room for the Historic Grand Prix
4-star boutique hotel on Port Hercule - at the heart of the circuit
Check AvailabilityFrequently Asked Questions about the Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026
What is the difference between the Historic Grand Prix and the Formula 1 Grand Prix?
The Monaco Historic Grand Prix features vintage racing cars from the 1930s to 1985, while the Formula 1 Grand Prix pits today's current single-seaters against each other. The Historic Grand Prix takes place in April (24-26 April 2026), the F1 Grand Prix in May, on the same legendary Monaco circuit.
When does the Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026 take place?
The Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026 takes place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April 2026. This is the 15th edition of this biennial competition - held every two years - organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco.
How do you get to the Historic Grand Prix from Port Palace?
Port Palace is located on Port Hercule, at the very heart of the Monaco circuit. The entire track is accessible on foot from the hotel in just a few minutes. No transport needed: the circuit literally starts at your door.
Where to buy tickets for the Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026?
Official ticketing is available on the Automobile Club de Monaco website (monaco-grandprix.com), as well as at the ACM ticket office at 44 rue Grimaldi in Monaco. Specialist operators also offer packages combining accommodation and tickets for streamlined organisation.
Are there any side events during the Historic Grand Prix?
Yes. Alongside the races, vintage car exhibitions are organised in the streets and squares of Monaco, turning the entire Principality into an open-air automotive museum. Animations and displays around the grandstands are open to all.
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