By Lana K.
Holding my umbrella, I am sitting under the pouring rain, watching an exciting race in front of my eyes. I am in Monaco for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Without bias, Formula 1 is largely a man’s sport. Men see it from a technology and competition perspective. Women see it differently and it’s hardly only about the racing. Join me in sharing this perspective while living through this weekend’s event.
Friday afternoon flying to Nice, I already envision Monaco’s luxurious cars and boats, hi-end restaurants and trendy boutiques. The smell of the sea, jasmine, expensive perfume, cigars...and the smell of money. The rich come on their boats to play blackjack and chill out in style. This weekend is going to be particularly busy with the event of the year - the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
In the taxi from Nice to Monaco, we get into an exciting traffic jam of Ferraris, Porsches, Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Aston Martins and other eye-catching cars. The heavy traffic is partly caused by closing some of the roads in preparation for the racing weekend. The turquoise sea on the right, the glamorous slow moving cars on the left, and we are having a relaxed chat with two of my friends. We discuss Formula 1 stars of the past and how many of them were killed or injured either on or off the racing track, particularly Niki Lauda's story. From his early racing days, to his rivalry with James Hunt, and finally his face-changing accident and how he pulled through after that to become a world champion nonetheless.
Shortly after checking into our trendy hotel and ready for drinks, I get into the elevator. It stops at some floor and a man comes in. My first reaction is: “Am I daydreaming?! That’s Niki Lauda!!!” I was just talking about him to my friends, admiring his sports career and character...and here he is, just like that. As the elevator is descending, he is standing right next to me, wearing a red cap. I am looking at his burnt ear and think of the fire that nearly took his life. I think about what he had been through and how much he managed to achieve afterwards. A three times world champion! How unique it is: we come across celebrities here and there, but this is different. It’s like a thought coming out of your mind and walking into the elevator...I must admit it made my Friday.
What makes the Monaco Formula 1 circuit one of the most spectacular and demanding in the world, is its route through the narrow city streets, passing along the harbor, assuming different heights, a number of sharp turns, and leading through the tunnel. Despite relatively low speeds, for the pilots these challenges represent ultimate concentration and adjustment to the variable weather and light conditions.
Saturday qualifying enables us an excellent view of the track, complemented by a few turns. The harbor is filled with spectators. Apart from the grandstand, all nearby balconies, terraces, rooftops and yachts became viewing areas.
