What's it really like to be a Formula 1 driver living the life in Monaco?

But for 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, the Principality's appeal goes far beyond the yachts and luxury lifestyle that outsiders often associate with it.

Reflecting on the years he spent living in Monaco during his Formula 1 career, Button explained that the day-to-day reality is very different from the glamorous image often portrayed.

In his latest Jenson's Journal on the official Aston Martin website, Button wrote: "Monaco has always felt like its own little world to me. People picture the yachts, the glamour and the nightlife, and that's definitely part of it, but when you live there, you see a completely different side to it as well."

For Button, Monaco's location was one of its greatest attractions, offering easy access to neighbouring countries while maintaining a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle: "I lived there for many years throughout my F1 career, and the thing that makes Monaco special even more than the glamour is it's simply a brilliant place to base yourself as a racing driver."

Button explained: "You've got France and Italy right on your doorstep. One minute you're by the sea; the next you're up in the mountains stopping for an espresso somewhere on the Italian border. For drivers and athletes in general, it's a really good lifestyle."

Button also revealed that Monaco created a unique sense of community among Formula 1 drivers, despite the fierce rivalries that existed on track: "When I lived in Monaco, I used to see a lot of different sportspeople, including my F1 competitors, and we used to cycle together.

"We'd start in Monaco, go through France, and into Italy. It was great. And because so many drivers live there, you travel together as well. F1 is very competitive, but Monaco always had this community feel away from the paddock," recalled the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion.

Beyond the racing community, Button believes the Principality's constant energy is one of its defining characteristics: "That's the beauty of the place. It always feels alive. Even when the Grand Prix isn't on, there's always something happening. Whether you're on a yacht, playing tennis, or enjoying water sports, there's always an energy."

The former champion also highlighted Monaco's renowned social scene, from its restaurants to its famous nightlife venues: "If you're into nightlife, Jimmy'z is hard to beat. I haven't been to a nightclub in years, but Jimmy'z is probably the place to go."

He added: "There are some great steak restaurants, some fantastic Japanese restaurants, and lots of options for healthy eating too. It's a great place to dine no matter your taste."

The appeal of Monaco is reflected across the current Formula 1 grid, with around half the field choosing to call the Principality home.

Among the drivers understood to be Monaco residents are local hero Charles Leclerc and F1 world champions Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as well as Oscar Piastri, George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon and Nico Hülkenberg, while Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto are not.

Monaco's popularity is often attributed to its zero income tax policy, but drivers also benefit from privacy, security, excellent training conditions and easy access to international travel through nearby Nice Airport.

For many Formula 1 stars, Monaco offers the ideal balance between professional convenience and lifestyle. Residents can be cycling in the mountains above the Côte d'Azur in the morning, training by the Mediterranean in the afternoon and flying to race weekends around the world with minimal disruption.

French drivers such as Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon generally do not enjoy the same tax advantages under French tax rules, making Monaco a less compelling option for them than it is for many of their rivals.

While Monaco remains synonymous with wealth and glamour, Button's reflections paint a more complete picture. For Formula 1 drivers, it is not simply a tax haven or playground for the rich.

It is a practical base, a sporting community and a lifestyle destination that continues to attract many of the sport's biggest names long after their racing careers have ended.

Formula 1 returns to the principality next weekend for Round 6 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, and for more than half the grid it is literally their home race; many of them live in the apartments trackside.