Monaco: Where money rules

Modern Formula 1 travels around the globe, reaches new venues, new crowds and new cultures. From Malaysia to Russia, and Korea to Austin, it explores new territories every year.

But for a few months of the year it comes home, back to Europe. It goes to Britain, Germany, Belgium and Italy through the summer. All have their place in history, all have their unique standing in the sport.

However, it’s the race at the end of May which really captures the essence of Formula 1. With its sun, sea, rich, beautiful people, glitz and glamour. The Monaco Grand Prix is the spiritual home of F1.

It’s where the rich and famous come out in force. Celebrities have to be seen and the rich contest who has the biggest yacht of the lot.

Next weekend, Monegasque Nico Rosberg, who has become one of the great racers at Monaco by winning last 3 events, will go for his fourth straight win around the streets where he grew up. Even Michael Schumacher only won here 2 times in a row.

Lewis Hamilton is desperate to chase down his massive 43-point championship advantage. The racing may not always be thrilling in Monaco but it will be fascinating next weekend.

But, as always in Monaco, the focus is not entirely on the drivers. The casino, the tunnel, the harbour, the pit lane, the people. That’s what makes Monaco so special. The rich, the glamour, the history.

But not everyone will appreciate the obvious wealth on show, as F1’s minnow teams struggle.

The likes of Sauber and Force India are reportedly riddled by financial problems and may not see out the 2016 season.

Perhaps, they could benefit from a pink slip loan, which makes a car collateral for a loan as long as it fully owned.

With both teams looking for a big performance boost in Canada next month, points and prize money would follow, making the risk fairly low.

However both teams decide to try and survive, the competition between billionaires to try and boats the biggest yacht in Monaco will not be a welcome sight.

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