A couple flew to Monaco with spare change and ended up seeing the F1 up-close

  • One couple got to see F1 up close in Monaco
  • They only had pennies with them for the Grand Prix weekend
  • But there are plenty of ways to see it for free

Published on May 30, 2025 at 3:05 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody

Last updated on May 30, 2025 at 9:12 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

See how fans got F1 up-close at the Monaco Grand Prix during the Formula 1 weekend with full race day access and zero ticket cost.

The Monaco Grand Prix is known for its exclusivity, but this story proves that experiencing the Formula 1 weekend up close doesn’t always require a ticket.

These fans set out to see F1 up-close and personal, explore the city, and make the most of every free opportunity.

Their journey highlights just how much of the Monaco Grand Prix is accessible with good timing and smart planning.

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They flew into Nice, skipping overpriced hotels by booking a $130 private room near the train station.

Just 20 minutes from Monaco, they arrived before the Formula 1 weekend officially began to take advantage of early access opportunities.

On select days, the pit lane is open to the public. It offers rare F1 up-close views of Red Bull and McLaren garages with no credentials required.

The couple walked right past the team trucks and mechanics, seeing equipment up close without spending anything.

Monaco itself becomes a stage for the Formula 1 weekend, with rare cars, elevated walkways, and scattered race day access points.

They found one above the harbor near the train station. There was another on a public hillside with panoramic views of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

While some popular free spots were closed off by police, enough remained open to let them watch the race live.

The city’s natural elevation and compact layout allowed several F1 up-close viewing areas with no official access.

They also visited the free Monaco fan zone, packed with racing simulators, team booths, and big screens streaming the entire Formula 1 weekend.

With driver interviews and fan activities running all day, it felt like full participation.

On race day, they climbed to a known local spot with dozens of fans listening to commentary and cheering as the cars passed.

That was their race day access point, and it offered one of the best views in town.

After the race, they celebrated at Slammers, a Monaco Grand Prix tradition known for its post-race crowd and occasional royal appearances.

Later, the track reopened to the public, allowing fans to walk the route under the lights of a city transformed by speed.

This Monaco Grand Prix adventure, documented by Live the Dash, shows that getting F1 up-close during the Formula 1 weekend is possible for anyone.

All it takes is timing, planning, and the willingness to explore.

Watch the full video here:

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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.