George Russell’s tips for doing the Monaco Grand Prix on a budget

“I moved to Monaco at the start of 2023, so I’ve been here a little while now,” Mercedes driver George Russell, speaking exclusively to Herald Travel, said.

“Obviously, as a British driver, the UK will always be home. I grew up in the countryside, in Norfolk, and that’s a very different lifestyle to Monaco.

George Russell highlights affordable options like staying in nearby France and using general admission areas. Photo / Supplied

But what’s surprised me most [about living here] is probably the sense of community. From the outside, people see the glamour, the yachts, and the sunshine. But, day to day, it’s actually a really practical place to live as an athlete. You can train properly, recover properly, get in the sea, ride, run, and you’re surrounded by people who understand the demands of the sport.”

Of course, doing Monaco as a super VIP – stay, watch and party on your own superyacht – is a dream for many F1 fans, but it costs multiple millions. You can, though, do the race on a budget, but you’ve got to properly plan it out – and well ahead of time, ideally as soon as the next season’s calendar is confirmed by F1’s governing body, the FIA.

Your biggest expense will be accommodation, and all you have to do is walk across the border into France for much lower prices. Places like Cap-d’Ali as well as Beausoleil and Saint-Antoine, which all have Airbnbs (or equivalent). The latter are walkable within 10-12 minutes. You can save even more cash by cooking dinner with ingredients sourced from the local Carrefour supermarkets.

You’ll then need a ticket to the Monaco Grand Prix. The cheapest option is La Rocher, or The Rock, which is a general admission area high above the track with views over the final sector, including pit lane and the final chicane on to the main straight. It’s €45 ($90) on the Friday, €75 ($150) on Saturday and €130 ($260) on Sunday.

Russell emphasises the unique experience of Monaco, noting its challenging circuit and iconic status. Photo / Unsplash

And it’s an option rated by Russell, who – like all the drivers – grew up obsessed with the pinnacle of motorsport, and values what it takes to be trackside.

“La Rocher is definitely the proper hardcore fan experience,” Russell says.

“You need to be committed, get there early, and be ready for a long day. But Monaco is unique because every corner has something special. You’re not watching F1 cars on a normal circuit; you’re watching them squeeze between barriers on streets you can walk down the next day.”

Fans can see the race from La Rocher for €45 ($90) on Friday, €75 ($150) on Saturday and €130 ($260) on Sunday. Photo / Supplied

It’s worth upgrading to a grandstand seat, though, and here you can mix and match with a series of one-day tickets that suit your preferences and budget. Russell, of course, has plenty of experience guiding his family and friends on this.

“It’s very cool to see the cars through Casino Square because that’s such an iconic image of Monaco,” Russell says. “But for pure commitment, I’d say the Swimming Pool section is one of the best places to watch. The speed change, the precision, the way the car rides the kerbs – that’s where you see just how close to the limit everyone is.”

Casino Square (B-grandstand) is expensive on Sunday (€1150/$2300), but €175 or $350 on Friday, while the best Swimming Pool stand (N) is €650/$1300 for the race; and for Russell, it’s where he gets the biggest thrills in the car.

“It’s fast, narrow, and there’s no margin for error. You’re arriving with so much speed and the walls are right there, so you need total confidence in the car and in yourself,” he says.

“That’s what Monaco is all about. It’s not the highest-speed circuit on the calendar, but the sensation is huge because everything is magnified. A small lock-up, a tiny snap of oversteer, or being a few centimetres offline can be the difference between the perfect lap and being in the wall. When you hook up that section properly, especially in qualifying, it’s a pretty special feeling.”

Russell sits 43 points behind Kimi Antonelli as the title fight heads to Monaco. Photo / Unsplash

Russell will certainly feel the pressure this year; the Brit goes into the race 43 points behind his precocious Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Monaco may be just round six of 22, but both have eyes on the world title – and so a win in the Principality is crucial, especially for Russell to claw back ground against the young Italian.

“It would mean a huge amount,” Russell says. “Monaco is one of those races every driver wants on their CV. There are certain Grands Prix that carry a bit of extra history and prestige, and Monaco is right at the top of that list.

“You spend so much time on these roads away from the race weekend, but when the barriers go up and the circuit comes alive, it becomes something completely different. To win here would be one of the biggest moments of my career.”

Whether you’re an F1 driver or fan, Monaco is the ultimate destination. But for those in the know, you truly can have the champagne experience on a beer budget.

More of Monaco on a tight budget

George Russell says living in Monaco lets him train and recover like an athlete. Photo / UnsplashFree things to do include exploring local gardens such as Jardins Saint-Martin and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.The iconic Monte Carlo Casino is also free to walk through. The lobby is stunning and you can take a casino tour for €10. Marché de La Condamine is your go-to market and food hall for fresh, seasonal and well-priced produce such as fresh meat, fish and wine, as well as small shops and cafes. Believe it or not, Monaco bars do indulge the punters with “happy hours”. Try Brasserie de Monaco, La Rascasse and Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar. The latter boasts a Champagne happy hour from 6pm to 8pm. Take the electric-powered Bateau Bus for a fast yet scenic crossing between Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo. Pay onboard. One way costs €2 cash or €1.50 by credit card.The train to Monaco from Nice takes 25 minutes. Great savings can be made if you make Monaco a day trip. Avoid expensive bottled water; there are public water fountains across the city.