Monaco Grand Prix news: Lando looking to mix it with Max for podium glory

It’s Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with McLaren’s Lando Norris hoping to put pressure on world champion Max Verstappen around the streets of F1’s jewel in the crown race.

British superstar Norris is full of confidence after securing victory in Miami, and following that up with a stunning drive for a second-placed finish at Imola.

The McLaren man is around 11/2 with most bookmakers to take the chequered flag, with SkyBet offering a boost of 13/2, but he will have to be hot to get past dominant Dutchman Verstappen, who managed to keep him at bay - but only just - in the Italian (Emilia-Romagna) Grand Prix.

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most revered and historic race on the F1 calendar - and here Sports News Blitz takes a look at its storied background.

Origins and Early Years

Inception: The first Monaco Grand Prix roared into life on April 14, 1929, thanks to Antony Noghès and Prince Louis II, who figured, “Why not have cars zoom through our streets? What could go wrong?”

William Grover-Williams took the checkered flag in a Bugatti, and a legend was born.

Early Popularity: The race quickly became a favorite, because who wouldn’t love the idea of watching millionaires nearly crash into their yachts?

1930s to 1940s: Establishing the Tradition

1930s Expansion: The 1930s saw the race grow in popularity, attracting the top drivers who clearly didn’t mind a few bumps and scrapes in the name of glory.

World War II: The race took a pit stop for World War II (1939-1945), because even daredevil drivers needed a break from life-threatening danger. It resumed in 1948, and everyone pretended the war was just a minor inconvenience.

1950s: Formula One World Championship

Inclusion in F1: In 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix joined the shiny new Formula One World Championship. Juan Manuel Fangio won that year, likely because he was really good at dodging stray champagne corks.

1955 Tragedy: The 1955 race featured Alberto Ascari taking an unplanned swim in the harbor. Ascari survived, and engineers added "don't drive into the sea" to the list of race instructions.

1960s to 1980s: Golden Era

Iconic Drivers: This era brought legends like Stirling Moss, Graham Hill (a.k.a. “Mr. Monaco” because he liked winning here a lot), Jackie Stewart, and Ayrton Senna, who apparently mistook the race for his personal playground, winning six times.

Technological Advancements: As cars got faster and fancier, Monaco’s track stayed charmingly perilous. It was like strapping a jet engine to a roller coaster and hoping for the best.

1990s to Present: Modern Era

Senna’s Dominance: Ayrton Senna continued his reign into the early 1990s, solidifying his status as the guy who probably could’ve won the race blindfolded.

Schumacher and Beyond: Modern legends like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso also found ways to navigate the track without launching into the harbor, which is always a plus.

Circuit Modifications: The track saw a few tweaks for safety and to prevent drivers from accidentally finding themselves in someone’s living room.

Cultural and Sporting Significance

Glamour and Prestige: The Monaco Grand Prix is where fast cars meet high fashion, with celebrities, royalty, and the fabulously wealthy rubbing shoulders while pretending to understand racing.

Driver Skill: Winning here means you’re either incredibly skilled or have struck a deal with some sort of racing deity. Maybe both.

Economic Impact: The race brings in a ton of cash, mostly from people who like the idea of watching cars while lounging on yachts. It’s like a very loud picnic with really expensive toys.

Recent Developments

Modern Challenges: Today’s cars are so fast and wide that overtaking in Monaco is about as likely as finding a parking spot. Discussions about changes are ongoing, but hey, who needs overtaking when you have yachts?

2020 Cancellation: The 2020 race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that even Monaco’s glamorous sheen wasn’t immune to global events. It was the first cancellation since 1954, and everyone agreed that missing Monaco felt a bit like Christmas without the presents.

The Monaco Grand Prix remains the dazzling diva of the racing world, blending history, glamour, and high-octane thrills in a package as picturesque as it is perilous.

Drivers and fans alike can't resist its unique charm, even if it means occasionally getting wet.

READ MORE: F1 news: A look at five rising stars looking to replicate Lando Norris’ impact