Why Do F1 Drivers Like Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen Live in Monaco?

The first thing that comes to mind when one sees an F1 driver, aside from their talent, is their luxurious and extravagant lifestyle. And while there are drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen who reside in sprawling mansions and enjoy a privileged life, Monaco is the destination of choice for many Formula One drivers like them.

In addition to holding the Monaco Grand Prix, it also hosts other competitions, including the Monte-Carlo Rally, the Historic Grand Prix, and the Monaco ePrix. Aside from being known as the racing destination, the principality of Monaco is also a great place to live. It won’t come as a surprise either, since this country is home to half of the present grid.

Formula 1 drivers residing in Monaco

In addition to Lewis Hamilton; Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, Nico Hulkenberg, and Daniel Ricciardo all reside in Monaco. Numerous former F1 drivers also call Monaco home, including Jenson Button, Mika Hakkinen, Nico Rosberg, and others. There, among others, live David Coulthard, Mark Webber, and Daniil Kvyat. F1 drivers have a long history of residing in Monaco. But why do so many Formula One drivers choose to reside in Monaco?

There are a few reasons, to be sure. The climate in Monaco is warm and comfortable. It sits near the seashore and is known for its bustling social scene. Is that all, then? Do the weather and social scene of Monaco keep the pilots there? No, there are some other important reasons why drivers choose to live in Monaco. So what are they?

What draws Formula One drivers to Monaco as a residence?

A prudent and delightful investment. Between the borders of France and Italy, the principality of Monaco is a real wonderland. There are many reasons why F1 drivers flock to Monaco. Its location in Europe makes it a suitable base, given that many races still take place there, and its pleasant weather throughout the year is a major draw. Apart from that, all interactions between teams and drivers are conducted in English. As a result, living in Monaco is not an issue for motorists from different nations since there won’t be barriers to communication as there would be in other European countries.

Despite the fact that all of these aspects are undoubtedly lucrative for the person who makes a good living, what is the main reason F1 drivers choose to remain in Monaco? Perhaps daily life in Monaco is also a celebration; certainly in terms of tax advantages. Anyone who has a high income and resides legally in Monaco can save a lot of money by avoiding taxes on their assets and income, among other things.

Tax laws for individuals and businesses are lax. Residents are exempt from paying income, capital gains, or wealth taxes. Furthermore, there are no inheritance taxes. For locals and F1 drivers alike, these regulations are convenient. They are permitted to keep the money they receive from their paychecks.

Many Formula One drivers have opinions about living in Monaco, including Lewis Hamilton, who switched his base from Switzerland to Monaco back in 2012. He said, “Where I’ve moved to (Monaco), there are quite a lot of people that I know there, quite a lot of the drivers are there, so there’s a bit more of a social life.”

Another F1 driver is Lando Norris who also gave his thoughts on making a move to the fun-loving city back in 2021, while talking to motorsports, the Briton said, “people do a lot of things in life for the money. That’s just another.”

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In addition to them, Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, also resides in Monaco. In 2017, he paid $6.5 million for a home in the principality. The Dutchman had previously resided at a rented property in Monaco in 2015.

What extra benefits are there?

In addition to all of these advantages, Monaco offers a first-rate healthcare system. Foreigners, employees, and employers receive excellent treatment. Furthermore, since there is tight security and CCTV everywhere, therefore safety of the F1 drivers is always kept under check. They could come back to take in the view of the lovely spot after finishing their demanding and busy schedule.

The United Kingdom is close by, and the majority of the teams are headquartered in this region and in Europe. The food is available here in a wide variety, therefore F1 drivers and any other person that lives here make the most of the location.

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Formula 1 has long regarded Monaco as a prestigious track. Juan Manuel Fangio won the inaugural contest of the pinnacle of motorsport, which was held at the Circuit de Monaco. Since then, Monaco has been a member of Formula 1. That being said, considering there are high expectations for drivers to entertain the large and enthusiastic audience, the race has proved draining for the competitors. Given that, who do you predict will win the Monaco Grand Prix this year?