Monaco Grand Prix: Nouvelle Chicane Is Circuit's Most Exciting Corner
Formula 1's next stop on its action packed global adventure is the streets of Monaco, the historic circuit which is seen as the jewel in the crown of the F1 calendar.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri is the favourite with the best betting sites to win his fifth race this year.
Along with F1 fans from all over the world, the race’s luxurious location naturally attracts some of the richest and most famous people from across the world.
From a racing standpoint, Monaco has also played host to some of the most exciting and tactically intriguing races on the F1 calendar over the years.
Charles Leclerc held his nerve to take the chequered flag 12 months ago for Ferrari at his home Grand Prix, but who will master the streets of Monaco this weekend?
Although tight and twisty, this hasn’t stopped the best drivers in the world from overtaking through the narrow streets.
After analysing all of Monaco's Grand Prix races over the past 30 years, there have been 75 on-track overtakes - excluding those during the first lap, safety car restarts or pit stops.
The Circuit de Monaco is a street circuit that cascades its way around the principality, passing the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, thrilling the harbour that houses million-pound yachts, and flashing past the world famous swimming pool section.
Monaco corners have etched themselves into the history books and include: Sainte-Devote, Casino Square, Mirabeau-Hairpin, Portier, The Tunnel, Nouvelle Chicane, Swimming Pool, La Rascasse and Antony Noghes.
This iconic course and its surroundings make the Monaco Grand Prix arguably the most special race track in F1, and maybe even the entire world of motor racing.
Monaco Grand Prix's Most Exciting Corners
Ahead of this weekend’s race, Gambling.com analysed Monaco’s most exciting corners - based on the corners that have seen the most overtakes.
The data team dived into the archives of F1, and assessed every Monaco Grand Prix since 1995, to see which sections of the course have seen the most action.
As a track, Monaco is notorious for the lack of overtaking opportunities, but this has made the circuit a unique yet fascinating dynamic, where drivers must be opportunistic and prepared for wheel-to-wheel action.
After our analysis crossed the finish line, the iconic Nouvelle Chicane was a clear leader with 17 overtakes, which is the most any corner has seen over the past 30 years of this iconic race.
Monaco Grand Prix: Most Exciting Corners
Corner | Number of Overtakes | Percentage |
Nouvelle Chicane (Turn 10/11) | 17 | 22.7% |
Sainte-Devote (Turn 1) | 12 | 16% |
Hairpin (Turn 6) | 10 | 13.3% |
Mirabeau Superior (Turn 5) | 9 | 12% |
Tabac (Turn 12) | 7 | 9.3% |
Swimming Pool (Turn 13/14/15/16) | 5 | 6.7% |
Portier (Turn 8) | 3 | 4% |
The Tunnel (Turn 9) | 3 | 4% |
La Rascasse (Turn 17) | 3 | 4% |
Antony Noghes (Turn 18) | 3 | 4% |
Beau Rivage (Turn 2) | 2 | 2.7% |
Massenet (Turn 3) | 1 | 1.3% |
Casino Square (Turn 4) | 0 | 0% |
Mirabeau Inferior (Turn 7) | 0 | 0% |
The chicane is met at high speed, after the drivers reach north of 150mph going through the tunnel.
Drivers are able to pick up a slipstream from the short straight and dive down the inside.
Given the development of F1 cars since the mid 1990s, drivers now have more confidence under braking to make such a daring move.
Overall, 22% of all overtakes that have happened at Monaco since 1995, have occurred at the Nouvelle Chicane.
Sainte-Devote In Second Place
The corner that sits in second place is Sainte-Devote (12 overtakes), or ‘turn 1’, as it is more simply known.
As the name suggests, drivers encounter this right after the pit straight, where they will most likely be lining up to attempt an overtake.
Many World Championship-winning drivers have made places up at this corner, including Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.
It is a corner that requires undeniable skill and precision to successfully pass an opponent on.
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Hairpin Third In Our Findings
Rounding out our podium places in third place is the slowest corner on the F1 calendar.
Known as the Hairpin, or the Mirabeau-Hairpin (10 overtakes), drivers race as slow as 30mph through this section.
While noted for its slow speeds, some drivers have still used it as an overtaking opportunity, especially if they catch their rivals unaware.
No Moves At Mirabeau Inferior Or Casino Square
At the other end of our Most Exciting Corner scale, we have the Mirabeau Inferior (Turn 7) and Casino Square (Turn 4) - with both having not seen an overtake in the past 30 years.
The latter unsurprisingly got its name due to its prominent location outside the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino.
Casino enthusiasts may flock to the Monte Carlo Casino with dreams of winning big, but as of yet, the Casino Square hasn’t provided much luck to drivers that are looking to move up the race ranking.
However, the corner still offers fans a stunning viewing spot for spectators to see the cars up close - even if the drama will be at a minimum.
The 2025 F1 season looks set to be a titanic battle between the two McLaren drivers - Piastri and Lando Norris.
Piastri is the favourite on betting apps to be crowned world champion, but the irrepressible Max Verstappen will have a say, and the unique nature of Monaco could spring a surprise this weekend.
