Which F1 Drivers Live In Monaco?

Have you ever wondered which F1 drivers live in Monaco? Monaco is a small city-state in the south of France. It’s also the second smallest country in the world – only Vatican City is smaller. The Principality of Monaco covers an area of 2km² and has a population of 38,424 (2024). The city itself, however, makes up just over half the size of Central Park in New York City.

Monaco is a special place for Formula 1 drivers. It’s the most glamorous place in the world and there are many drivers that live here or even own houses here. There is a lot of privacy inside Monaco and sometimes it’s hard to find out what some of the famous F1 drivers do when they don’t race.

Current F1 Drivers Living in Monaco (2025 Season)

Based on the 2025 F1 grid, the following current drivers reside in Monaco:

• Gabriel Bortoleto: Relocated to Monaco with his family in 2024, a new F1 driver benefiting from the principality’s perks.
• Charles Leclerc: Born and raised in Monaco, a native Monégasque, lives in the Jardin Exotique area with a luxury apartment.
• Lewis Hamilton: Resides in a luxurious penthouse in Monte Carlo since 2012, with additional properties in London, New York, and Colorado.
• Max Verstappen: Moved to Monaco in 2015, lives in Fontvieille, plans to relocate to the new Maraterra district in 2025.
• Lando Norris: Relocated to Monte Carlo in 2021 from Surrey, UK, for financial reasons, known for his Fiat 500 Jolly in Monaco.
• George Russell: Moved to Monaco in 2023, and is frequently seen training in the principality.
• Nico Hulkenberg: Resides in Monaco with his family, enjoying the principality’s lifestyle and tax benefits.
• Alex Albon: Lives in Monaco, three minutes from the Grand Prix paddock, moved for financial reasons.
• Oscar Piastri: Moved to Monaco in 2024 from the UK, benefiting from tax advantages.
• Liam Lawson: Resides in Monaco, drawn by the warm climate and lifestyle.
• Oliver Bearman: Moved to Monaco recently, living in an apartment previously owned by his father.
• Jack Doohan: Confirmed Monaco resident, leveraging tax benefits as a new Alpine driver.
• Valtteri Bottas: The Mercedes reserve driver lives in Monaco with cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, and has an apartment with a harbor-view balcony.

Former F1 Drivers Living in Monaco

The following former F1 drivers currently reside in Monaco:

• Mika Hakkinen: Moved to Monaco in 1991, won the 1998 Monaco Grand Prix, remains a resident and calls the race “special.”
• Nico Rosberg: Lived in Monaco during his career, raised there, friends with Prince Albert II, still resides in the principality.
• David Coulthard: Resident since 1995, owned the Columbus Hotel in Fontvieille until 2020, maintains close ties with the Princely family.
• Jenson Button: Based in Monaco, a former world champion who continues to call the principality home.
• Daniil Kvyat: Moved to Monaco during his F1 career, considers it his “base,” still resides there.
• Antonio Giovinazzi: Resides in Monaco, a former F1 driver who maintains a home in the principality.
• Paul di Resta: Lives in Monaco, a former F1 driver who settled in the principality post-career.
• Stoffel Vandoorne: Former McLaren driver, resides in Monaco, drawn by its lifestyle and tax benefits.
• Riccardo Patrese: Long-time Monaco resident, a former F1 driver who settled in the principality.
• Nyck de Vries: Former AlphaTauri driver, confirmed to live in Monaco.
• Lucas di Grassi: Former F1 test driver and Formula E champion, resides in Monaco, serves as CEO of Roborace.

Why does Lando Norris live in Monaco?

“People do many things in life for money – this is just another one,” said Lando Norris, who moved to Monaco at the end of 2021.

“I just feel like I’m in a comfortable place at the minute to make this decision and spend the time to move over there. I can still see a lot of my friends, and my family are going to come over. So many things will remain exactly the same. It’s just that I’m based in a different place. Maybe I won’t get to play as much golf, which is probably the biggest downside. But there are a couple of places nearby that I can go and play and so on.”

With that said, it may still be a curiosity to some why so many F1 drivers seem to have designated Monaco as the place to flock. Before we list down all the sensible reasons for these track rockstars, it is important to remember that the glamorous Monte Carlo has always been attracting the rich and the famous, not just F1 drivers.

Does Carlos Sainz live in Monaco?

Carlos Sainz does not live in Monaco full-time, though he is frequently associated with the principality due to its popularity among F1 drivers. The Spanish Ferrari driver primarily resides in Madrid, Spain, where he was born and maintains a strong connection to his home country. However, Sainz has been spotted in Monaco during the F1 season, particularly around the Monaco Grand Prix, and owns property there, as many drivers do for tax benefits and proximity to the sport’s European hub. His main base remains Madrid, where he trains and spends time with family and friends, balancing his F1 career with his Spanish roots.

Does Toto Wolff live in Monaco?

Yes, Toto Wolff lives in Monaco with his wife, Susie Wolff, and their son, Jack. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team principal and CEO relocated his family to the principality in 2016, citing a security issue in the UK and the desire to educate their son in an international school. Wolff also maintains homes in Oxfordshire, England, where he works during the week near Mercedes’ Brackley base, and an 18,000-square-foot mansion in Ermatingen, Switzerland. Monaco’s tax benefits, proximity to Nice airport, and appeal as a hub for F1 personalities make it an ideal base for Wolff, who has been spotted there driving his Mercedes-AMG One hypercar.

Why do F1 drivers move to Monaco?

English is primarily spoken in Monaco

Unlike in other parts of Europe, English is primarily spoken in Monaco. And F1 is a sport with English as its language. Communications between drivers and teams are in English.

With this similarity, any language barrier that there might be in other places is eliminated which is very useful for F1 drivers.

Monaco is centrally located in Europe

With the exception of Africa and Antarctica, Formula One is a global sport that is held on all continents. Races are typically held two weeks apart.

Since F1 drivers travel so much, they need to be in a location where it is convenient for them to move from place to place.

Most F1 races take place in Europe and since Monaco is quite centrally located in Europe, this geographical location makes it easy for drivers to go around. Moreover, all F1 teams are based in Europe.

For this reason, F1 drivers ought to live close to the headquarters of their teams.

Monaco is a tax haven

Although not for everyone, Monaco’s lax tax laws and policies make it a tax haven because of its relatively lax business and personal tax policies. Taxes on income, wealth and capital gains do not apply to residents. Moreover, no inheritance tax is levied upon direct heirs!

These tax rules mean that F1 drivers and anyone else living in Monaco get to keep all the money they earn from their salaries and sponsorship. Basically, any money that you earn, you get to keep.

This is a primary drive for criticisms that are targeting those who planned to move, expressed wanting to do so, and those who pushed through— like Lando Norris who thinks, “Of course, I’ll understand and there’s going to be some [criticisms] for sure. But people do many things in life for money. This is just another one.”

Monaco has great weather all year round

The city of Monaco sits in the heart of the French Riviera, on the Mediterranean coast. The climate is generally mild and sunny all year round with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

Its location on the coast and its abundance of entertainment make it a great place to spend a hot summer. In addition, it is near the Southern Alps, a popular skiing destination. Therefore, the residents can enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Summers in Monaco are warm and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Who wouldn’t want to live a life in luxury in such a haven of good things all year-round?

Safety is great in Monaco

Monaco prioritizes safety which is evidenced by the high number of CCTV cameras they have installed all around the principality. There is also a high police presence and invulnerable bank security systems, making sure the famous and wealthy can live in peace and harmony.

Benefits of Living in Monaco

Monaco is a desirable place to live for many reasons. To expand on the reasons already stated above, listed below are just a few:

1. Exceptional health care — Monaco is known for its excellent healthcare system with high standards of care and a wide range of specialists. Employers and employees, as well as foreigners who are allowed to work in Monaco, contribute to the public healthcare system.

2. Zero income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, and inheritance tax for direct heirs — As mentioned above, Monaco levies no income tax on individuals. There is no personal income tax in Monaco, which is why a considerable number of “tax refugees” from other European countries have moved to the principality. Most of them are less famous business people.

3. Generally warm Mediterranean climate — Monaco is located in the French Riviera. This is why the residents can enjoy great weather all year round.

4. High police presence provides a very safe environment for residents and their families — Monaco’s police are highly professional and have a constant presence, making it the world’s largest police force per capita and per area. They are known for being Europe’s safest square mile.

5. Northern Europe and the United Kingdom are close by.

6. Monaco has good local and international schools — In addition to international and local schools in Monaco, there are well known international schools in Nice, Valbonne, and Mougins, all of which are within 45 minutes of Monaco.

7. As mentioned earlier, English is widely spoken.

8. Nice Airport is 30 minutes by car and seven minutes by helicopter.

9. Within two hours of the city, there are ski resorts. Gréolières-les-Neiges, Isola 2000, Auron and Valberg are amongst the favourites.

10. Residents are friendly and welcoming.

11. Monaco residents enjoy a friendly business environment.

12. A cosmopolitan international lifestyle.

13. Several major sporting events are held in Monte Carlo, including Formula One, Grand Prix Historique, and the Monte Carlo Tennis Tournament.

14. The Cote d’Azur, Provence, and Italy are right on your doorstep.

15. The entire year is filled with cultural events, music, and dancing.

16. Monaco’s cuisine embodies the best of Europe.

17. International Forums on a regular basis.