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Month: July 2025

Leclerc fends off Verstappen for podium in dramatic wet-dry Belgian Grand Prix

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/07/2025

Charles Leclerc delivered a fierce and calculated performance in Spa to finish third in the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, holding off a relentless Max Verstappen in a tense final stint to secure his fifth podium of the season for Scuderia Ferrari.

On a soaked Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the Monegasque driver kept a cool head as chaos unfolded early on, navigating a delayed and disrupted race that finally got underway after an 80-minute stoppage.

Leclerc praises team effort after intense podium finish

All cars began on intermediate tyres due to heavy rain, but a red flag was quickly thrown during the formation lap due to near-zero visibility. After several recognition laps behind the Safety Car, racing began properly on lap 5. The decisive moment came shortly after the restart, when early calls to switch to slicks became crucial. Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc both pitted early—on laps 11 and 12 respectively—for medium tyres, a move that would shape the outcome of their races. Leclerc remained composed throughout, managing tyre wear and resisting intense pressure from Verstappen to finish third behind the two McLarens.

“I’m pleased with the steps forward we are making and I think we should all be proud because I know how much work went into our upgrades from the whole team back home in Maranello,” said Leclerc. “It definitely helped us to get the podium and to keep Max behind today, which was not easy because he was very close until the very end of the race. Once we were on slicks, I knew I just had to keep my head down and push for P3 to be ours, and it is, so I’m very happy we brought it home.”

McLaren dominate at the front as Ferrari scores strong points

Out front, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took a commanding win, overtaking team-mate and polesitter Lando Norris on the Kemmel Straight on lap 5 before building a gap that he managed to the finish. Despite some late-race pressure and tyre degradation, Piastri held on to win by 3.4 seconds, extending his lead in the Drivers’ Championship by 16 points. Norris settled for second, while Leclerc rounded out the podium, finishing 20 seconds behind the leader.

Verstappen, unable to pass the Ferrari despite several close attempts, finished fourth, with Mercedes’ George Russell completing the top five. Williams’ Alex Albon impressed in sixth, having started fifth and resisted Hamilton’s charge in the final laps. Hamilton, starting from the pit lane after an engine change, gained 11 positions to finish seventh.

Piastri takes control as F1 heads to Budapest

With his victory, Oscar Piastri now leads the championship and carries momentum into next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. McLaren’s one-two underlined their title credentials, while Ferrari’s upgrades proved encouraging as they continue to chase both Red Bull and McLaren in the Constructors’ standings.

As for Leclerc, his third place at Spa marked his 48th career podium and further proof that when conditions are tough, the Monégasque can be counted on to deliver.

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Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Pierre Casiraghi leads Admiral’s Cup as Monaco eyes historic sailing victory

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/07/2025

Pierre Casiraghi and his Monaco crew aboard Jolt 6 are leading their class in one of sailing’s most exhausting races, putting Monaco on course for a historic first Admiral’s Cup victory. 

This morning, an update was published from the Celtic Sea, where the Yacht Club de Monaco vice-president elaborated on the challenging conditions his team has endured during their third day at sea.

“We had a pretty brutal night,” Casiraghi said. “Wind picked up. We had quite a lot of waves, but all is good on board. Starting to feel everyone a bit tired, but this race has a reputation for a good reason.”

The Monaco team expects to round the iconic Fastnet Rock around noon, marking the halfway point of their 695-nautical-mile odyssey from the Isle of Wight to Plymouth. Despite the punishing overnight conditions, Jolt 6 has held onto first place in AC Class 2, though Casiraghi acknowledged the pressure from rival boats closing in behind.

“We’re still leading. We’re happy with our position. We can see our competitions behind us, they’re close. They’re fighting, pushing strong, but so are we,” he said.

Pierre Casiraghi and his crew on the Jolt 6, photo by Yacht Club de Monaco.

Fastnet finale approaching

With approximately two days remaining to Plymouth, the race is entering its crucial phase. The fleet is finally turning downwind after grinding upwind since Saturday’s start from Cowes.

“Probably two more days to go. We’re all quite excited to be able to go downwind finally. Been going upwind since pretty much the beginning of the race,” Casiraghi noted, with clear anticipation for the tactical shift ahead.

Conditions have eased from the overnight battle, providing some relief for the exhausted crews. “It is a bit more calm now. Sea state came down, so pushing ahead,” he added.

This year’s Fastnet Race has attracted a record 451 boast from 34 countries, with some 4,000 sailors taking part. For Casiraghi, who finished third in the 2017 Fastnet alongside Boris Hermann, the race holds special significance beyond the Admiral’s Cup ambitions.

Monaco entered this weekend’s decisive offshore race sitting second overall in the team standings, just one point behind the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. With the Fastnet Race worth triple points, Pierre Casiraghi’s performance could deliver Monaco’s first Admiral’s Cup trophy.

Monaco is represented by two boats: Casiraghi’s Jolt 6 and fellow YCM member Peter Harrison’s Jolt 3.

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Main photo credit: Mars Entertainment A.F Dall’Ora

Maximilian Günther ends Formula E season in London with gritty points finish

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/07/2025

Monaco resident Maximilian Günther ended his 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship campaign with a determined seventh-place finish at the London E-Prix on 19th July, rounding off the season at the ExCeL Circuit.

After a promising yet unfulfilled home race in Berlin, Günther arrived in London with renewed ambition and a custom helmet designed by Bianchet. He showed strong pace throughout practice and reached the duel stages of qualifying, eventually lining up sixth for Saturday’s race. However, his efforts were cut short when he was forced into the barriers on lap one. “Qualifying had gone really well… by Turn 5, another driver pushed me into the wall. The suspension broke, and that was it… but I guess that’s racing!” he said.

Günther bounced back on Sunday, defeating Pascal Wehrlein in the duels and starting from second after a grid penalty ahead. He challenged Nick Cassidy at Turn 1 and pushed into the top six, but two mid-race neutralisations cancelled out the benefits of his Attack Modes. “Sunday started really well with second place on the grid,” he said. “But understeer and those two neutralisations really complicated matters. I did everything I could, finishing in seventh place and scoring points.”

The result secured him 85 points for the season, placing him 10th in the Drivers’ Standings with two wins and two poles.

Porsche crowned champions as Jaguar shines in season finale

The final race of the 2024/25 Formula E season saw Nick Cassidy deliver back-to-back victories for Jaguar TCS Racing in London, securing a strong finish for the British outfit and marking an emotional farewell for the driver. Despite Jaguar’s late surge, it was TAG Heuer Porsche who clinched both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships, thanks to consistent performances throughout the season from Pascal Wehrlein and António Félix da Costa.

Nissan, led by newly crowned Drivers’ Champion Oliver Rowland, ended the year third in the Teams’ standings after a difficult weekend in London. Mahindra Racing and NEOM McLaren completed the top five, while DS Penske concluded their campaign in fifth with Maximilian Günther contributing crucial points in the finale.

The 2024/25 season proved once again that Formula E remains one of motorsport’s most unpredictable and fiercely contested series.

See also: 

Exclusive interview with Formula E driver Maximilian Günther: “It’s like playing chess while driving a high-speed race car”

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Photo source: DS Penske

Lifesaving heart surgery brings hope to children from Burundi and Madagascar

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
27/07/2025

Two young children have received critical cardiac surgery at the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco, thanks to the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire (MCH) and its partner associations.

Mia, a two-year-old from Burundi, and Fayah, aged nine from Madagascar, were treated at the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco. Their operations were made possible through the support of partner organisations Children & Future, Monaco Aide et Présence, AMADE, and Amitié Sans Frontières Internationale.

Since 2008, more than 630 children with heart conditions have been treated through the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire. The needs remain significant, particularly for countries that do not yet have adequate infrastructure for treating complex cardiac conditions.

2 year old Mia, photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

A network of care

The Monaco Collectif Humanitaire was formed when several Monegasque associations involved in international solidarity joined forces to mark the 50th birthday of Prince Albert II. The collective aims to offer treatment in Monaco to children whose heart disorders are inoperable in their countries of origin, with treatment also available for certain orthopaedic disorders.

The treatment process begins when a doctor from the country of origin identifies a child whose heart or orthopaedic disease cannot be treated locally and sends the medical file to MCH. Once approved, MCH arranges travel with Aviation sans Frontières (ASF) providing air transport with an escort.

Upon arrival at Nice airport, children are welcomed by host families who provide care throughout their stay. Depending on the condition, children stay at the health centre between five and 10 days, or longer, and afterwards spend their recovery time with their host family.

Since 2019, MCH has expanded its operations through partnership with the Chaîne de l’Espoir, developing programmes in four countries to operate on children locally when possible. Operations are now funded in Mali, Madagascar, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

More than 515 children have received treatment since the project began: 435 in Monaco and France, 26 in Mali, 42 in Madagascar, 5 in Senegal, and 7 in Burkina Faso.

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Main photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

 

Alfred Hotels unveils stylish and affordable accommodation on Monaco’s doorstep

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/07/2025

Just moments from the border of Monaco, a new boutique hotel has opened in the centre of Beausoleil, combining affordable comfort with a prime and accessible setting.

Alfred Hotels Monaco, the fifth property from the young French hotel group, combines stylish comfort with one of the region’s most accessible indulgences: a rooftop restaurant serving quality cocktails and affordable food with impeccable service and beautiful views across Port Hercules and the glittering Mediterranean.

A boutique gem overlooking Monaco

Nestled in what’s often dubbed the “Montmartre of Monaco”, Alfred Hotels Monaco is perched on the slopes of Beausoleil and offers guests an experience that combines effortless style with practical ease. The location is unbeatable – just a five-minute walk from Monaco’s train station, and easily accessible thanks to the public escalators and elevators that link Beausoleil to Monte-Carlo’s bustling centre.

Inside, the hotel’s 39 rooms are designed as elegant cocoons, showcasing warm natural tones, cosy finishes, and a dedication to French craftsmanship. From artisanal mattresses by Le Matelas Français to locally made soaps by Marius Fabre, every detail is curated for comfort and character.

Despite its boutique size, Alfred Hotels Monaco punches above its weight with thoughtful amenities and a design-first philosophy that elevates the mid-range offering.

Basta Pinsa: a rooftop with taste and views

The highlight of the property is undoubtedly the rooftop bar and restaurant, Basta Pinsa. Created in collaboration with Paris Society Consulting, the venue is as much a local hotspot as it is a guest favourite. Here, visitors can sip spritz cocktails and share pinsas in a laid-back yet stylish setting, while taking in panoramic views stretching from the hills behind Monaco down to the glimmering Mediterranean.

The service is attentive and genuine, the prices refreshingly fair – especially considering the setting. A freshly made pinsa (pizza) for €16 is a rarity anywhere near Monaco, and the quality of the ingredients makes it all the more exceptional.

The cocktails are meticulously crafted, the ambience relaxed and effortlessly cool, and the young team delivers it all with a professionalism that feels natural and sincere.

Redefining mid-range hospitality on the Riviera

Alfred Hotels was founded by three luxury hospitality veterans with a simple mission: to make the experience of a grand hotel accessible at a fair price. With nine hotels already established across France and plans to expand to 20 by 2026, the group is quickly gaining a reputation for delivering on that promise. Their latest outpost in Monaco may just be the best example yet.

With overwhelmingly positive early reviews, it’s clear Alfred Hotels Monaco is hitting the right notes. Whether for a weekend escape, a business stay, or a local night out, it redefines what’s possible in a place where affordability is almost an anomaly.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video below…

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All photos courtesy of Alfred Hotels Monaco

No Finish Line 2024 raises record €319,000 for children’s projects

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
25/07/2025

Monaco’s 25th edition of No Finish Line, which took place last November, raised a record-breaking total of €319,005 for children’s causes worldwide. The traditional cheque presentation ceremony took place earlier this week, honouring the main recipient associations.

The nine-day charity event, held from 16th to 24th November at Port Hercule, saw nearly 14,000 participants cover together 319,005 kilometres. Prince Albert II was among those who took to the track, supporting the unique format where every kilometre run translates into one euro for charity.

Since launching in 1999 to celebrate International Children’s Rights Day, the event has raised €5.4 million through the participation of over 189,000 people who have covered together 5.1 million kilometres.

This year’s funds from the November event have been distributed through Children & Future to 26 projects across five regions: Monaco (€101,442), France (€102,498), Europe (€13,915), Africa (€34,648), and Asia (€37,500).

Supporting local and international causes

Among the key recipients in Monaco, the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire received €75,000 to fund paediatric cardiac operations. Save Us was awarded €13,584 to continue its fight against genetic diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis.

Monaco Collectif Humanitaire receiving their check. photo credit: Philippe Fitte

Children & Future funded the acquisition of a vein detector and double cot for the paediatric ward at Princess Grace Hospital Centre, while €9,212 was allocated to the Coeurs Vaillants et Âmes Vaillantes Association to enable children from modest families to participate in holiday camp activities.

In France, the Les Liens du Coeur association in Pessac will receive €30,000 to develop a playground at their future family welcome centre.

International projects include €20,000 towards constructing a nursery classroom in Laos and funding for a minibus in Vietnam to provide safe school transport for orphaned children.

The next edition of No Finish Line is scheduled for 16-24 November 2025.

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Main photo credit: Philippe Fitte