A Formula 1 star earning around £10 million per year has explained what it is like to live just two minutes away from the Monaco Grand Prix.
This weekend, the 2026 F1 campaign continues with the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix.
The race weekend in Monaco is one of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar, with the Grand Prix filled with history and prestige.
For some of the drivers, it can be considered a home race, as most F1 stars live in Monaco.
Carlos Sainz reveals what it’s like to live just two minutes away from the Monaco F1 paddock
Speaking recently to the Williams official YouTube channel, Carlos Sainz revealed that he lives less than three minutes away from the Monaco Grand Prix paddock.
Sainz reportedly takes home £9.8 million per year as a Williams driver, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2026, but he does have options for 2027 and 2028.
The Spaniard hinted that he has to ‘remind’ himself that he is in a race weekend due to it being held around the place where he lives.
Sainz said: “It feels a little bit different because it is certainly quite weird to sleep in your own bed, and then having to wake up, go into your own shower, go into your own wardrobe and then suddenly go to a race.
“I feel like I need to remind myself that I’m in a race weekend because if not, you’re almost like too relaxed because you’re at home. So, it’s a nice feeling of relaxation, but you also feel like you need to focus.
“I don’t walk. I actually ride my bike. It’s literally, I’d say, from the moment I jump on the bike at home to the moment I jump off the bike in the paddock. I think it’s two and a half minutes.
“So, I can literally wake up only 45 minutes before I need to be in the paddock.”
When asked whether his mindset changes for the Monaco Grand Prix, Sainz said: “No airports, no flights- does it change my mindset? No.
“The only thing that changes is that, as I said before, I need to remind myself that I’m in a race weekend even though I’m sleeping at home.”
Sainz was also quizzed on summing up the Monaco Grand Prix in three words. He replied: “Monaco Grand Prix in three words? I’ll say historic, glamour and walls!
“My very first memory was watching the 2003, I think it was 2003 or 2004, Monaco Grand Prix.
“I remember at the time, obviously I was following Fernando (Alonso) a lot, and he had a big crash in the tunnel. I think he was lapping Ralf Schumacher, and he had a big crash in the tunnel. That was my first memory of Monaco.”
Read More: Lewis Hamilton feels Ferrari are ready to challenge for his first win with the team in Monaco
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