F1 Explained: How Each of the Iconic Monaco GP Corners Got Its Name

Turn 3 - Massenet

A long left-handed turn that takes drivers down towards the middle sector of the lap, Massenet takes its name from French opera composer Jules Massenet, of whom there is a statue on the outside of the turn.

Massenet wrote more than 30 operas during the Romantic era of music during the 19th Century.

Famous F1 moment: During slippery conditions in the 2008 race, both David Coulthard and Sebastian Bourdais crashed into the barriers in quick succession, bringing out the safety car.

Turn 5 - Mirabeau Superior

The start of the slowest section of corners on the F1 calendar, Mirabeau Superior is the first of two turns named after the former 'Le Mirabeau' hotel that overlooks the track to the driver's right at Turn 7. The building is now an apartment block and has been the scene of several famous F1 moments over the years.

In tricky conditions, the sharp braking zone at the bottom of the hill can cause havoc, with several drivers sliding straight on during the 2023 edition of the race when heavy rain arrived.

Famous F1 moment: In 1986, Patrick Tambay's ambitious attempt to overtake Martin Brundle resulted in the former being tipped over and barrel rolling into the barriers.

Turn 7 - Mirabeau Inferior

The right-hander runs past the entrance of the former Le Mirabeau hotel and brings the seafront into view for the drivers for the first time in the lap.

Famous F1 moment: A corner that has claimed the races of some of the sports' best. Kimi Raikkonen retired from the 2006 Grand Prix with engine failure, while 10 years earlier Michael Schumacher had crashed out on lap one in tricky conditions. Later in the same race, Eddie Irvine caused a three-car pile-up by spinning into the path of Mika Salo and Mika Hakkinen.

Turn 8 - Portier

Portier is a neighbourhood by the sea in nearby Monaco. The word in English also means the lowest order of Roman Catholic seminarians. The right-hander is the furthest point out from the start/finish straight on the track and sends drivers towards the famous Monaco tunnel.

Famous F1: Ayrton Senna crashed into the barriers here at the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, while over a minute clear of team-mate Alain Prost in second place. Senna did not return to the garage, but instead went home to his nearby apartment, not surfacing until hours after the race.

Turns 10/11 - Nouvelle Chicane

Probably the best overtaking opportunity on the circuit, the chicane was originally called Chicane du Port before being remodified in 1986 and named Nouvelle - French for 'new'.

Famous F1 moment: Nigel Mansell's sensational late lunge up the inside of Alain Prost during the 1991 race was bold, brave, and brilliant - and showed that you can indeed pass at Monaco!

Turn 13/14/15/16 - Swimming Pool

This section was added after the construction of the Rainier III Nautical Stadium, which has, you guessed it, a swimming pool. The first of two chicanes is named after Louis Virage, a Monegasque racing driver who finished third at the very first F1 Grand Prix at the circuit in 1950.

Famous F1 moment: Nothing summed up the gripping end of the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix like watching Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell through the swimming pool section. The two chicanes allowed Mansell to close right up to the gearbox of the Brazilian through the final two corners, leaving everyone watching right on the edge of their seats.

Turn 18 - Antony Noghès

Antony Noghès was the founder of the Monaco Grand Prix and considered motorsport pioneer for the principality. He had previously brought the Monte-Carlo rally to life in 1911 and proposed ending all motor races with the waving of a chequered flag.

Famous F1 moment: On the final lap of the 2010 race, Michael Schumacher overtook Fernando Alonso following a Safety Car period. While the pace car had pulled into the pits, the race was still deemed to be under caution conditions, and Michael's move was deemed illegal, earning him a 20-second penalty.