★ Monaco E-Prix

01Why it matters

Monaco is the round that gives Formula E credibility with people outside the series, because it uses the same circuit as Formula 1 and can be judged against it. In our reading it is the best value in the principality's motorsport calendar: the one weekend when the circuit's geography can be experienced without a year of planning.

02The week around it

The principality reorganizes in the familiar way, with barriers and pedestrian bridges, but for days rather than weeks. Mid-May is busy on this coast for other reasons, with the film festival usually running at Cannes.

03When to arrive

Friday evening or Saturday morning. The racing is contained in two days and departures are unremarkable compared with Grand Prix Sunday.

04Where to stay

The same three Monaco quarters as the Grand Prix, obtainable at shorter notice: Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. The coast at Cap d'Ail, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Nice works well.

05Access and hospitality

Tickets are sold by the Automobile Club de Monaco through its official ticket office, in grandstands and enclosure areas, in the same structure as the Formula 1 race. Formula E also sells its own hospitality at championship rounds. Availability is materially better than in June.

06Where the social activity happens

The quay at Port Hercule, where the paddock is open enough to be part of the weekend; the terraces above the harbor; Casino Square in the evening; and Larvotto's beach clubs, open by mid-May.

07Getting there

08Practicalities

09History

The first Monaco E-Prix was held in 2015 on a shortened layout, and for its early years ran only in odd-numbered years, alternating with the historic meeting. From the 2020-21 season the full Grand Prix circuit came into use and the race became annual. A second race was added in 2025.

10Who is there

Formula E's manufacturer and technology sponsors, energy and mobility companies, residents, and a noticeably younger and more local crowd than in June.