The Jewel in the Formula 1 Crown

Predating even Formula 1's long and illustrious history as a World Championship, the Monaco Grand Prix has been running since 1929. With its setting on the streets of the Monte Carlo and La Condamine districts, and including the wealth drenched principality's extraordinary harbour, the Monaco GP is unique in having been held on the same circuit for its entire history. In spite of relatively low average speeds, it has been widely acknowledged that if it were not already an absolutely indispensable aspect of the Formula 1 brand, Monaco would not be permitted on safety grounds. With its narrow streets, tight corners, and pronounced elevation changes, it's considered to be the ultimate test of driving skills in the calendar. Alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans, Monaco proudly maintains its position in the coveted Triple Crown of Motorsport.

Over the past 27 years we have captured some of Monaco's greatest racing moments in perfect detail.

McLaren MCL35M

Lando Norris, 2021

Last season, McLaren's MCL35M race cars exhibited an evocative retro livery celebrating the deep-rooted and successful racing partnership between themselves and official partners Gulf Oil International. The iconic blue colourway livery with the orange stripe is a tribute to Gulf’s timeless design while reflecting a racing connection that began in the days of team founder Bruce McLaren. Lando Norris put in a performance to match the significance of the livery, holding off the Red Bull of Sergio Pérez to achieve his third career podium. Models of Norris and teammate Daniel Ricciardo's MCL35Ms remain available at 1:8 scale. At 1:18 scale, another small batch of Ricciardo models has recently been completed. We encourage customers to register their interest for the final batch of Lando Norris models.

Learn more about the MCL35M collection here >

Ferrari 312 T2

Niki Lauda, 1976

The 1976 season was one of the most dramatic and political seasons in Formula 1 history, pitting McLaren's British socialite James Hunt against reigning World Champion Niki Lauda of Ferrari. Lauda dominated Monaco, qualifying 0.26 seconds ahead of his teammate Clay Regazzoni and emerging victorious by an impressive 11 second margin. This victory gave the Austrian racer a 36-point lead in the Drivers' Championship after just six races (as Hunt's disqualification from the Spanish GP was still under appeal at the time), a daunting total that early into the season. Little did anyone know the drama that would unfold in the remaining ten races. Models of Niki Lauda's 1976 competitor are available at 1:8 scale.

Learn more about our Ferrari 312 T2 model here >

Lotus 49B

Graham Hill, 1968

The original 'Mr Monaco', Graham Hill was victorious at Monaco five times in the 1960s, a record that has only been surpassed by the legendary Ayrton Senna and equalled by the seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher. In 1968, Hill qualified on pole and survived an incident-packed race that saw only five cars reach the chequered flag, taking his fourth win in the principality. Hill would go on to win his second World Championship by the end of the season whilst Lotus would win their third Constructors’ Title. In 1972, having already won on his Indy 500 debut in 1966, he achieved first place at Le Mans, cementing his place in motorsport history; he remains the only man to have achieve the Triple Crown of Motorsport. 1:8 scale models of Hill's winning car are currently available to purchase.

Learn more about our Lotus 49B model here >

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 'Monza'

Tazio Nuvolari, 1932

1932 saw Alfa Romeo's first appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix, and it was a memorable one for the Italian outfit. Tazio Nuvolari, eleventh on the grid after the pre-race ballot, started fantastically, passing seven cars within the first five laps and settling into second position after just ten laps. Taking full advantage of the leading Bugatti of Louis Chiron crashing out, Nuvolari led on to the chequered flag to ensure he and Alfa Romeo would become the first Italians to win the Monaco Grand Prix. Though Monaco was a non-Championship race, it laid a marker for Alfa Romeo’s dominance throughout the 1932 season. Our 1:8 scale models of the Monaco-winning car piloted by Nuvolari are available to purchase.

Learn more about our 8C 2300 model here >

From the Archive

These models are sold out, but their stories live on in the annals of Formula 1 history.

Brawn BGP 001

Read the story of Jenson Button claiming victory in an astonishing season here >

Mercedes W10

Read the story of Lewis Hamilton proving a masterclass in defense here >

Red Bull RB16B 

Read about Max Verstappen finally conquering the streets of Monaco here >