Riccardo Patrese: Why the Monaco Grand Prix will always be a very special race for me

That came amid a career that would span more than 250 starts and six wins. More than four decades later, Monaco remains the circuit closest to his heart, not only because of that breakthrough triumph but also because he spent nearly 40 years living in the principality.

As Formula 1 returns to one of its most iconic venues, Patrese reflected on the race that changed his career, the unique atmosphere that continues to define Monaco, and why the event still offers something no other Grand Prix can match.

From the chaos of his unforgettable victory to the connection between the fans and the cars in the narrow streets, Patrese believes Monaco remains a cornerstone of the sport's identity.

Patrese's affection for Monaco extends deep: "It means everything to me. I won my first Grand Prix there in 1982. There was especially a fantastic atmosphere. There was Prince Rainier; it was the last time Princess Grace was there before she died."

His victory came during one of the most chaotic races in Monaco history. A series of late incidents and dramatic twists left uncertainty over the outcome until the closing moments, creating a race that remains part of Formula 1 folklore and one that Patrese still remembers vividly.

He recalled, in an interview"I also won in a very strange way, which was like a lottery. Drivers were crashing, a lot happened on the last lap, and I wasn't sure that I had won. There was a great party!"

Monaco also became Patrese's home away from the racetrack. He lived there for nearly four decades and only left five years ago, building a deep personal connection with the principality that continues to shape how he views the event today.

Patrese continued, "So apart from the race, Monaco is a place in my heart because I stayed there for nearly 40 years; I stayed there after I stopped racing. I only left five years ago. For me it's a place that sings with very good memories."

Patrese believes Monaco still offers something unique despite the evolution of modern Formula 1. The close proximity of the fans, the atmosphere created by racing through the streets and the sensory impact of the cars continue to make it one of the sport's most distinctive events.

"Monaco is a place where the fans like to go. They are very close to the cars, and the noise that the cars are making because they're in the middle of the town is really something.

"Noise is very much connected with motor racing. If you are close to the cars there, you feel something special inside your stomach," said Patrese, who sees reasons for optimism as Ferrari heads into Monaco carrying genuine momentum.

This weekend, Leclerc has home support behind him, Hamilton appears revitalised after Canada, and Ferrari finally looks capable of applying sustained pressure to Mercedes. If Hamilton's smile in Montreal signalled the start of a resurgence, Monaco could reveal just how real that revival has become.

Riccardo Patrese was speaking to F1 Hospitality provider Vision4Sport, who have teamed up with BWT Alpine to offer an exclusive Monaco yacht experience"