Monaco: from dream to nightmare, they held on until the end

Victory is within reach and the prize well deserved, but nothing is certain until the finish line is crossed. Before the 2021 edition, let's look back at some symbolic disappointments in Monaco.

There are countless anecdotes about the Monaco Grand Prix, and FanF1 has selected three iconic races in which three drivers saw victory slip away from them when it seemed within reach.

1992 – the year the most famous mustachioed driver finally got his chance

It wasn't until 1992 that everything fell into place for Nigel Mansell. After returning to Williams in 1991, the Englishman finally had a car capable of dominating the championship. He arrived in Monaco at the top of the standings and secured a brilliant pole position on Saturday, raising hopes of a first victory in the Principality. The race started well: starting third on the grid, Ayrton Senna overtook Mansell's teammate, Riccardo Patrese, in the first few corners. Senna pushed hard to stay in touch with the British driver's Williams, but Mansell proved untouchable. After five wins in five races, a sixth consecutive victory seemed certain. Then, on lap 70, Mansell pitted, convinced he had a flat tire. He rejoined the race in second place, chasing his Brazilian rival. During the last eight laps, the two drivers fought a fierce battle, offering a thrilling duel that Mansell will never forget for two reasons: he never won in Monaco and his tire was not flat. In the end, he let Senna take the victory.

Video recap:

2016 – Red Bull's costly mistake

Since the start of the hybrid era in 2014, Mercedes has dominated the sport to such an extent that it feels like we're back in 1989, when McLaren gave its rivals little chance. In this context, only unusual circuits or special weather conditions can bring some suspense. During qualifying, Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo clinched his first pole position in Monaco, a historic moment for the Australian. On race day, the track was wet, making a standing start too risky, so the race started behind the safety car. Ricciardo led the first third of the race unchallenged. As the rain eased and the track dried out, he decided to pit to change to slick tires… but his team wasn't ready. Precious seconds were lost, erasing the flawless performance he had shown on the track. He came out second behind Lewis Hamilton and, despite a battle at the end of the race, finished the Grand Prix behind the No. 44 Mercedes.

Video of the pit stop:

Even the greatest can lose their concentration

Monaco is the slowest circuit on the calendar, winding through the streets of the city where the barriers are unforgiving and there is no room for error. In 1988, Ayrton Senna, who loved this circuit, put in a legendary performance in qualifying, taking pole position with a lead of almost a second and a half over his teammate and fierce rival Alain Prost (+1.247″). During the race, Senna led from start to finish, setting the fastest lap and attacking lap after lap like a metronome, seemingly destined to claim a second consecutive victory. However, with eleven laps to go, he hit the barrier at the Portier corner, just before the tunnel, and crashed his McLaren. The Brazilian's concentration waned after team boss Ron Dennis urged him to slow down and secure the victory. Prost went on to take first place on the podium. Although this incident was a huge disappointment for Senna, it never tarnished his legacy: six wins in Monaco and five pole positions, records that still stand on the streets of the Principality.