This weekend, the F1 paddock heads to Monte Carlo for the next race of the season. However, it is worth noting that the Monaco race weekend is quite different from regular race weekends. First and foremost, the Monaco Grand Prix follows an unusual four-day format.

Normally, the Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday with Practice 1 and 2. However, in Monaco, Free Practice 1 and 2 are held on Thursday instead of Friday. After a small break on Friday, normal service resumes on Saturday with Free Practice 3 and qualifying. Finally, Sunday’s race closes out the show and wraps up the Grand Prix weekend.

Why does the Monaco Grand Prix weekend skip Friday?

Interestingly, the origin of this tradition can be traced back to the iconic race’s debut. Apparently, the 1929 Monaco Grand Prix kicked off on the weekend of Ascension Day. As it turns out, this generally observed as a bank holiday in the province. Owing to this, that Friday weekend witnessed no racing, in order to observe the day.

Read More: How Much Does It Take For a City to Hold a Formula One Grand Prix Race?

At the same time, regular traffic was allowed to run through the streets of Monte Carlo. Truthfully speaking, the locals have found the importance of Ascension Day diminishing over the years. In spite of this, every Monaco Grand Prix weekend always observes a Sabbath on Fridays and has become a tradition.

This is also quite beneficial for local business in the Principality. To be precise, it allows businesses and hotels to replenish their stock and operate at maximum capacity. The respite on Friday and subsequent restocking will be able to tide everyone over during the hectic four-day spell.

Admittedly, this occasional break from the norm was a little odd. However, nobody has really questioned it before, and some of the drivers on the current grid reside in Monaco. So they all may probably know of the traditions. Speaking of which, the drivers will be excited to race at the Principality. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the F1 paddock from heading to Monaco. However, there are no such issues this year, though everyone is still on tenterhooks.

Top Stories

3 Years After His Death, Niki Lauda’s Wife Brutally Disrespects Him to Initiate $32,000,000 Battle Against Own Children

Who Is Alexandra Saint Mleux – Charles Leclerc’s Girlfriend and Famous TikTok Content Creator?

‘Mad’ Max Verstappen Once Fired a 4 Word Warning to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc After Being Accused of Driving Dirty

Daniel Ricciardo Gets an Alternate Career Suggestion From Fans After Antics in the Dirt Leaving Motorsport Athletes Awestruck: “Pff. Can I Join”

With No Multi-Million Dollar Contract Stopping Him Anymore, Tom Brady Can Finally Hit Up Lewis Hamilton and Realize His F1 Fantasy

READ MORE: Monaco GP: Can Valtteri Bottas Overtake Michael Schumacher in All-Time F1 Leaderboard?