Formula 1 drivers living in Monaco
Publié par Paolo Petrini
Which F1 drivers live in Monaco? Find out why the Principality attracts so many champions and how it has become their favourite residence.
In 2025, nearly half of the drivers in the Formula 1 world championship reside in Monaco. Iconic champions such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, as well as young talents such as Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and George Russell, have made the Principality their home. They are attracted by the advantageous taxation, the exceptional security and the quality of life that Monaco offers, not to mention the unique prestige linked to this territory. Among the country's many assets, the presence of the world's most iconic street circuit plays a fundamental role. The Monaco Grand Prix is not just a car race: it embodies the very DNA of the Principality, with its unique atmosphere and historical heritage. Since its first edition in 1929, the event has attracted enthusiasts, celebrities and wealthy residents, and it is in this context that the Monaco Grand Prix continues to exert an enduring fascination.
The link between Monaco and Formula 1 is not new. Many renowned drivers, such as Ayrton Senna or Mika Häkkinen, chose to live there at the height of their careers. The tradition continues today with the rising generations, confirming that the Principality remains an essential landmark for F1 figures. The lifestyle is particularly popular, combining tranquility, standing and discretion. In addition to its modern infrastructure and incomparable security, Monaco offers a rich calendar of cultural and sporting events. These events contribute to making the territory a vibrant centre of life all year round. Among them, the unmissable events in Monaco punctuate the season and reinforce the Principality's appeal.
More and more pilots are choosing to establish their main residence there, seduced by a unique balance between professional performance and quality of personal life. This enthusiasm also reflects a more global phenomenon: the growing installation of international profiles in Monaco. For those considering this change of life, our guide to moving to Monaco provides a clear overview of the steps to follow.
Why does Monaco attract F1 drivers?
Monaco, with its unique atmosphere and central role in the Formula 1 calendar, attracts drivers for much more than just its Grand Prix. The Principality offers a rare combination, it is one of the safest countries in the world, a high level of discretion, tax advantages and a remarkable quality of life, making it an ideal place to live for these high-level athletes. Every year, the Monaco Grand Prix showcases the elite of motorsport on a demanding street circuit. Drivers such as Romain Grosjean have pointed out that no other track is quite like Monaco, with its technical challenges and proximity to the public, making it a unique experience for drivers and fans alike. Former champions such as Mika Häkkinen or David Coulthard also talk about Monaco as a memorable circuit and the ultimate challenge of their careers. Beyond the race itself, this annual event serves as a showcase for the charm and appeal of the Principality, reinforcing the desire of the drivers to put down their suitcases there. The Mediterranean climate is particularly pleasant all year round, with sunshine in winter and warm summers tempered by the sea breeze. This idyllic living environment is a powerful attraction factor
The Principality has not levied any income tax on its residents for more than 150 years, which allows drivers to keep all their income, salaries and sponsorship contracts. It does not tax wealth or capital gains, making Monaco a very advantageous tax haven for movable fortunes. This setting is often cited as the primary motivation behind the installation of many athletes. British driver Lando Norris, who arrived in Monte Carlo at the end of 2021, admitted that his choice was partly financial: "People do a lot of things for the money. This is just another one," he said. Of course, this is not the only reason: the weather, the sea and a high-end leisure offer in a secure environment are also among the major assets.
Monaco offers a luxurious lifestyle that is perfectly suited to F1 drivers. There are gourmet restaurants (several Michelin stars), elegant bars, exclusive clubs and luxury boutiques, all within walking distance. High-end facilities include private sports complexes, spas, private beaches, marina, yachts and international events. The Principality is home to a wealthy international community, where English is commonly spoken and athletes rub shoulders with celebrities and entrepreneurs. Lewis Hamilton said he found "a lot of people [he] knows there, including a lot of other drivers", highlighting a much more developed social life than in his previous home. Several neighboring pilots train together or go out in groups, creating an almost family atmosphere in a very competitive environment.
Monaco's location is also a strategic advantage for these constant travellers. Located in the heart of Europe, in the immediate vicinity of France and Italy, it is only 20 km from Nice International Airport (7 minutes by helicopter). It allows fast connections to circuits around the world. Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, Barcelona or Le Castellet can be reached in a few hours. This closeness reduces travel fatigue and frees up time for mental and physical preparation between races. During the Monaco Grand Prix, some drivers even sleep at home: a privilege that Nico Hülkenberg particularly appreciates.
Monaco is more than just an address: it is a symbol of prestige and success, the natural extension of F1's glamour. For these multimillionaire athletes, the Principality meets all the criteria for an ideal place to live: tax savings, maximum security, daily comfort and sporting tradition. It is not surprising that generation after generation, the major figures of motorsport have set down their suitcases on the Rock.
What places do F1 drivers go to in Monaco ?
In Monaco, Formula 1 drivers frequent several emblematic places that reflect their luxurious lifestyle, their need for discretion and their taste for quality gastronomy. Among the most popular addresses:
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Le Grill (Hôtel de Paris) – Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Monte-Carlo, a must-see for business dinners, victory celebrations or discreet meals.
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Amazonico Monte Carlo – Located on the roof of the Café de Paris, this restaurant with a chic tropical atmosphere has become a flagship place in the Carré d'Or, particularly frequented by drivers after races or during private events.
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Jimmy'z Monte-Carlo – Emblematic club of Monegasque nightlife, known for welcoming celebrities and drivers in an exclusive atmosphere.
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Giacomo Monte-Carlo – An elegant and friendly address of the Big Mamma Group on the port, highly appreciated for its fine Italian dishes.
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Bistro Coé – This restaurant located on the beaches of Larvotto offers modern cuisine with a sea view, often frequented by drivers and team members in a relaxed manner.
Charles Leclerc, in particular, is regularly spotted around the Place du Casino, where he is a regular. Whether it's for a coffee on the terrace, a discreet dinner, or an appearance in a mythical hotel such as the Hôtel de Paris or the Hermitage, it evolves naturally in this central district that embodies the prestige of the Principality.
These establishments are not only places to relax or enjoy cooking. They are also privileged social spaces, where drivers can exchange with each other, welcome partners, or simply enjoy a moment away from the pressure of the circuits. The glamour of F1 is mixed here with the everyday luxury of Monaco, in an atmosphere where everything is designed for confidentiality, quality of service and the comfort of the elites of motorsport.
F1 drivers currently residing in Monaco
Many Formula 1 drivers have chosen to reside in Monaco: in 2024, nine out of twenty lived there, almost half of the field. This figure illustrates the unique attractiveness of the Principality. There are champions such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, but also the new generation: Charles Leclerc, a native of the Rock, Lando Norris, George Russell... All of them share Monaco as their home base, alongside Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hülkenberg, Alex Albon, Daniel Ricciardo, among others. Beyond the drivers, the Principality also attracts key figures in F1: Toto Wolff has a residence there, as do several former champions who have been converted. Monaco has thus become a real private colony of Formula 1, where rivals on the track often share a similar daily life.
On the real estate side, the drivers benefit from an ultra-exclusive market, accessible via agencies such as Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco. They invest in some of the most expensive properties in the world, often with a view of the sea or the circuit. Some opt for exceptional apartments in secure residences such as Le Renzo in Mareterra. Others prefer the Carré d'Or or Fontvieille, with concierge services, private gyms and panoramic swimming pools. Some choose the tranquility of a villa on the heights or in Cap-d'Ail, very close to the border. It is also not uncommon to see penthouses with rooftop and infinity pool to receive in complete privacy. Discretion is required: in Monaco, confidentiality is a golden rule. Private parking, filtered security, protected access... drivers can return home undisturbed.
The Monegasque lifestyle fits perfectly with that of the drivers. When they're not on the circuit, they can enjoy the Riviera: yacht rides, golf at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club, cryotherapy at the Thermes Marins, jet-ski escapades... Social life comes alive between Michelin-starred restaurants, Larvotto beach clubs (such as Nikki Beach), prestigious galas or evenings at Jimmy'z. This privileged social circle allows them to relax in a setting where they evolve among peers. It is not uncommon to see cycling training sessions between neighboring riders or improvised lunches on Port Hercule.
Monaco, finally, offers a powerful professional network. In the same place, drivers, engineers, managers, agents, sponsors, consultants... The exchanges are natural, often informal, and encourage collaborations, cross-projects or new sponsors. This proximity nourishes careers and also prepares for the future. Because in Monaco, much more than a place to live, it is a whole ecosystem that is available to those who are already thinking about the post-F1 period.
Charles Leclerc : a Monegasque driver at home
Charles Leclerc, a native of Monaco, embodies the deep link between the Principality and Formula 1. Coming from a line of Monegasque sportsmen, Leclerc has climbed the ranks of motorsport at high speed : after titles in karting and Formula 2, he made a remarkable debut in Formula 1 in 2018 with the Sauber team. His meteoric rise culminated in his recruitment by the prestigious Scuderia Ferrari in 2019, making him the first Monegasque driver to race for Ferrari since Louis Chiron in the 1950s. In his first seasons, Leclerc distinguished himself by his raw talent, taking several victories (including two in 2019) and numerous pole positions, which quickly earned him a reputation as a future world champion.
Monaco holds a special place in Charles Leclerc's life and career. As a local driver, he enjoys unwavering popular support from Monegasques, who see him as a native of the country who has achieved success at the highest level. Every year at the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc is the superstar awaited by a whole nation that cheers him on along the street circuit that he knows by heart. The streets of Monte Carlo, with their narrow loopholes and unforgiving rails, are not only Leclerc's playground at the Grand Prix, but also the very place where he honed his driving skills from a young age. He still trains on the Monegasque track when the roads are closed to traffic for special events, perpetuating a local tradition. And in 2024, that work paid off : Leclerc finally triumphed on home soil by winning the Monaco Grand Prix, his first home win, fulfilling a childhood dream in front of his admiring home crowd. This historic victory thrilled the entire Principality and further strengthened Charles' status as a local hero.
In addition to his exploits on the track, Leclerc plays an important role as Monaco's ambassador around the world. His natural charisma, his simplicity and his attachment to his hometown make him a very popular figure in the Principality. He does not hesitate to get involved in local life: he has participated in Monegasque charity events, supported educational and sports associations for young people, or represented Monaco at galas and official ceremonies. Aware of his status as a role model, Leclerc wears the white and red colours of the Monegasque flag high. His public image – that of a hard-working, respectful young man who is close to his community – corresponds perfectly to the values that Monaco likes to project internationally.
Living in Monaco also has a significant impact on Charles Leclerc's performance and personal balance . As a resident of the Principality, he or she benefits from an environment conducive to concentration and serenity on a daily basis. Unlike most of his competitors who live away from home for much of the year, Leclerc has the chance to go home to sleep during the Monaco Grand Prix, on the very streets where he grew up. This familiarity with the environment gives him significant mental comfort in a sport where every detail counts. In addition, Monaco provides athletes like him with state-of-the-art training facilities – modern gyms, clinics specialising in physical preparation, cycling courses in the hinterland – allowing him to optimise his physical condition without having to travel far from home. Leclerc can train every day just minutes from his home, whether it's a morning jog around the harbour or a swim in the sea before heading to the Ferrari simulator in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which real estate agency do F1 drivers choose to settle in Monaco?
Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco, a leading agency for F1 profiles wishing to settle in the Principality, supports drivers and their entourage in all their real estate procedures. Thanks to her perfect knowledge of the Monegasque real estate market and her ultra-personalized support, Petrini is regularly contacted by personal assistants, managers or members of the pilots' staff, whether for the purchase or rental of main residences. but also to house their team or their professional entourage.
Why do many F1 drivers live in Monaco?
Monaco has unique advantages that attract Formula 1 drivers. First, its lack of income tax makes it a very interesting tax haven for these high-income athletes. Secondly, the Principality offers a safe and prestigious living environment: excellent security, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, respected privacy, and a glamorous atmosphere in tune with the world of F1. Its central position in Europe also makes it easy to travel to the Grand Prix. Finally, there is a community effect: many pilots already live there, which creates a social environment where they can meet with each other.
How many F1 drivers currently reside in Monaco?
The exact number varies slightly depending on the season, but it is estimated that around half of the regular F1 drivers live in Monaco. In recent years, there are generally between 8 and 10 drivers out of the 20 on the grid to have their domicile in the Principality. For example, in 2024, there were nine resident drivers in Monaco, including several reigning world champions.
Which F1 driver is from Monaco?
The only Monegasque driver in Formula 1 at the moment is Charles Leclerc. Born in Monaco, Charles Leclerc joined F1 in 2018 and in 2019 became the first Monegasque to race for Scuderia Ferrari since Louis Chiron in the 1950s. He won his first national Grand Prix in 2024, becoming a local hero.
Do F1 drivers pay taxes on their income in Monaco?
No, Monegasque residents do not pay income tax. This is one of the main reasons why F1 drivers (with the exception of the French) move to Monaco. The Principality does not tax its residents on their income, wealth or capital gains, provided that they meet the residency criteria, such as spending more than 183 days a year there.
Which former F1 drivers also live in Monaco?
Many former Formula 1 drivers live in Monaco. We can mention Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button, Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Even Ayrton Senna had taken up residence in Monaco in his time. This tradition continues beyond the sporting career, also attracting consultants, managers and historical figures of F1.
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