F1 EXPLAINS: The Magic of Monaco – with Mika Hakkinen and Alex Jacques

No room for mistakes. No time to breathe. The Monaco Grand Prix is a unique challenge.
Legends win here, but even the greats have failed to complete 78 laps on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.
READ MORE: F1 Explains wins Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards
F1 Explains presenter Christian Hewgill is in Monaco to find out what makes this race special. Monaco winner and two-time F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen explains why it's such a difficult Grand Prix, mentally and physically.
F1 TV Commentator Alex Jacques also tells us about the history of the race, and about the brand-new tyre rule which will change things this year.
Plus, Christian tours the track to ask F1 fans why they think Monaco is magical and discovers that nearly everyone at the race this weekend has the same name...
The full episode of F1 Explains is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast apps, or you can listen using the player above on this page.
F1 Explains is the official F1 podcast which answers your questions about the sport. You can send your questions to F1Explains@F1.com.

Next Up
Related Articles
Facts, stats and trivia ahead of the British Grand Prix
Antonelli taking 'biggest lessons' from last two weekends
Hamilton on Silverstone hopes after Austria ‘reality check’
How to stream the 2026 British Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium
9 memorable moments from past British Grands Prix
Lindblad on his hopes and helmet for ‘special’ home race