The Prince’s Palace has announced a new addition to its administrative team, confirming the appointment of Florent Farge as the new Special Advisor to Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The decision, made by the Sovereign Prince, took effect from 1st June.
Farge brings extensive experience from the French public sector, having entered the prefectoral corps in 2017 following earlier roles in local government. He has held a series of senior positions including Chief of Staff to the Prefect of the Tarn, Sub-Prefect of Calvi, Secretary General of the Lot-et-Garonne prefecture, and Sub-Prefect of Agen. Most recently he served as a magistrate at the Court of Audit.
He holds a degree from the Institute of Political Studies in Aix-en-Provence and a Master’s in public procurement and public service delegation from the Faculty of Law in Poitiers.
The appointment is notable in that Farge will advise both the Prince and Princess jointly — a role that speaks to the increasingly shared public profile of the Sovereign couple.
TheArsenale Monaco hosted an evening this week celebrating its collaboration with Cadillac, offering guests a look at the luxury brand’s growing ambitions across Europe and in Formula 1.
TheArsenale, one of the largest marketplaces for independent builders, currently federates more than 250 brands across luxury mobility, design, and innovation. With locations in Dubai, Doha, Miami, and beyond, Monaco became a natural fit for expansion when the concept opened in the Principality just over a year ago.
For Founder and CEO Patrice Meignan, the collaboration with Cadillac is rooted in a personal appreciation for the brand. “I’ve been in love with Cadillac for many years, and I can only work with brands I love,” Meignan told Monaco Life. “Cadillac is one of the brands who have made the car industry; it is selling a dream. There are so many reasons for me to say ‘Let’s work with them.’”
General Motors Europe CEO and President Jean-Pierre Diernaz was also present, sharing Cadillac’s broader vision for international growth.
“The first goal is to make Cadillac a global luxury brand,” Diernaz told Monaco Life. “On the other side, you see what Formula 1 is becoming; it was a natural match to make Formula 1 one of these platforms for expansion.”
Describing Monaco as a strategic market for Cadillac to enter through this collaboration, Diernaz shared the brand’s long-term ambitions in the Principality. “Monaco is a very iconic element for us,” he said. “We want to not only animate Monaco during the Grand Prix, but we want to look into a long-term presence here. The plan is to have lots of activations throughout the year, all about demonstrating the expertise of Cadillac.”
The evening highlighted Cadillac’s Formula 1 vehicle alongside branded merchandise, as well as electric models positioned outside TheArsenale Monaco, offering a glimpse into how the company hopes to position itself in Europe. While Cadillac has held a strong presence in the American luxury automotive market, the brand is now looking to expand its appeal across Europe, with its focus on electric models aligning naturally with Monaco’s growing emphasis on sustainability.
AS Monaco surrendered a late lead on 3 June at Salle Gaston Médecin, falling 98-89 to Nanterre in Game 2 of the best-of-five Betclic Elite semi-finals, allowing Nanterre to level the series at 1-1.
After an impressive end to Game 1 with an unbelievable fourth quarter performance, Monaco appeared to be on track to take control of the series. The team held the lead at the end of each quarter before a critical fourth-quarter collapse allowed Nanterre to capitalize and claim victory.
Despite a slow start, the Roca Team managed to establish an early lead in the first quarter. However, rebounding concerns emerged, once again, as Nanterre was consistently gifted second and even third-chance opportunities to convert – an issue we saw in the quarterfinals against Bourg-en-Bresse. Monaco struggled to control the glass, managing only one offensive rebound in the first quarter, while Nanterre dominated this battle with a 12-6 rebounding advantage.
Monaco’s recurring issues with inconsistent ball movement prevented them from building a comfortable lead that their shooting efficiency in the first half would suggest. Nanterre’s struggles from the field helped Monaco maintain control as the Roca Team headed into halftime with a 53-41 lead.
Following the break, similar issues continued to appear. Sloppy possessions and mistakes allowed Nanterre to cut the deficit slowly and build momentum, reducing it to just five points midway through the third quarter. Monaco appeared to stabilize as Matthew Strazel landed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send them into the fourth quarter leading 71-62.
The fourth quarter, however, is where the disaster truly hit. Nanterre came out with a noticeably greater intensity, cutting the lead to a single possession in the opening minute. As Monaco’s shooting efficiency began to weaken, their inability to secure defensive rebounds allowed Nanterre to reduce their lead rather quickly.
With just over two minutes remaining, Nanterre managed to tie the game at 87-87. Monaco’s evident struggles throughout the night ultimately caught up to them in the final minutes of the game. With 1:20 left on the clock, Nanterre took a three-point lead and never looked back, as they secured this Game 2 victory.
This loss came despite strong individual performances from Elie Okobo, leading the team with 23 points, and Yoan Makoundou, who scored 20 points while going 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, an impressive performance for the Monaco big. Although Monaco’s shooting efficiency was above Nanterre’s overall, they were unable to overcome the persistent faults.
After leading for the majority of the game, Monaco was left to face a difficult loss as Nanterre defeated them 98-89. The Roca Team will now travel to Nanterre for Game 3 this weekend as they look to reclaim the advantage in the series.
Charles Leclerc arrived at Thursday’s Monaco Grand Prix press conference having already made headlines — his contract renewal with Scuderia Ferrari was announced just a day earlier. The timing was deliberate in its symbolism: Monaco’s most celebrated sporting son, back on the streets where he grew up, committed to the team he has always loved, with unfinished business on both counts.
Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti was among the press in the room as Leclerc addressed the season so far, the Ferrari-Mercedes battle, his complicated relationship with this circuit, and what it means to now have a corner of Monaco dedicated to his legacy.
Charles, how would you assess the first part of the season — are you satisfied, or is it a mixed picture?
A little mixed, because there are positive aspects and others that are less positive. I think we are in a very positive dynamic as a team, with a lot of innovations on the car, and that is always a positive sign for the races and for the future.
On the other hand, Mercedes is still quite a long way ahead for the moment and has a significant advantage that we need to reduce as quickly as possible.
Charles Leclerc, Fred Vasseur (team principal) and Lewis Hamilton. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
Yes, I am extremely happy. It is the continuation of many years during which we have built the team together.
This is my team. I have always dreamed of being in a team like Ferrari since I was a child, and today that dream continues, with the clear objective of becoming world champion with Ferrari during this contract.
The reasons are simple: it is from the heart. This is the team I have known for ten years now. I believe in the project, and a large part of that is because of Fred. The relationship I have had with him over the years is very special, and I believe enormously in Fred and in what he is building.
Ferrari’s chances in Monaco
The FIA announced that active aerodynamics would be switched off in Monaco this year, and many are saying that will play in Ferrari’s favour. Do you think you’ve got the advantage heading into this weekend?— Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
More than the FIA changes, it is more about the regulations as a whole. We have had a very aggressive approach in terms of chassis — our car has a very strong chassis. We know we are lacking some power, and we are working on that, but on a circuit like Monaco – power is a little less important, which should be a good sign for us. However, we are up against very strong opponents. So I think it is going to be close.
Many people are already saying Ferrari is going to be on top all weekend — I don’t think that’s going to be the case. But if there is one track this year where I have the best chance of winning, it is here, and I hope we can take that chance.
The notoriously tight circuit makes its way around Monaco’s iconic Casino Square. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
Racing at home
Do you feel any extra stress racing on the streets of your hometown?
There is an element of stress, but not because I am in Monaco — because of the track itself. Monaco is a very challenging circuit for all drivers. There is no room for mistakes because the walls are so close, which as a driver is exciting, but when you get to qualifying you need to take every risk possible to do the best job you can.
The pressure builds, but it is more excitement than anything — I am just happy to be here and proud to represent such a small country in what is, for me, the most iconic Formula 1 race in the world. It is an honour to represent Monaco in Monaco, and hopefully to win again like I did in 2024.
You always receive tremendous support from your fans here. Does that motivate you, or does it add pressure?
It motivates me. More than anything, it is motivation. The pressure is already there because I drive for Ferrari. When you are a Ferrari driver, you have millions of people following Ferrari and supporting the team all year long, at every race. The pressure and responsibility are already there.
Being in Monaco, on the streets where I have lived my whole life, with my friends on the balconies and my family here as well, adds more emotion than pressure.
At the end of the day, there are still only 25 points available for a win, just like at any other Grand Prix. But emotionally, it is a very important race for me.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with Charles Leclerc at his 2024 Monaco Grand Prix win. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
On technology
Formula 1 is increasingly driven by technology. You grew up in karting without much data at all. How do you view that evolution and the balance between human instinct and technology?
It is an extremely interesting and important dynamic nowadays.
I grew up in karting where there was not really any data. We were focused mainly on intuition and on what we felt in the kart. Then I moved into single-seaters, where we started having the first data from the throttle, brake, and steering wheel. That was the first time we could explain more precisely to engineers what we felt in the car.
As you move up through the categories, you get more sensors and more data to analyse. Today in Formula 1 we have an enormous amount of data. The issue is not a lack of data. The issue is the lack of time between sessions to analyse all of it.
Now, with artificial intelligence, we can process and analyse that data much faster, and that helps enormously.
But there is always a balance. Today, I would not say the hardest thing is optimising a Formula 1 car on paper. Every team more or less knows how to do that. The challenge is figuring out how the human being fits into that.
As a driver, I have setup preferences that do not always appear in the engineers’ predictions. So the communication between engineer and driver is particularly important. The engineers need to understand exactly what the driver wants in order for him to feel comfortable in the car.
Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
The circuit itself
Monaco has changed enormously in terms of infrastructure and safety. Would you change anything about the circuit itself?
The infrastructure and safety systems, barriers and so on, have improved enormously.
But in terms of the circuit itself, it remains essentially the same, and I think that is what makes it so unique. People often say that it is not necessarily the race of the year. But for me, Saturday makes the whole weekend unique and different from all the others. That is also why we all love Monaco so much. All the drivers always look forward to Monaco.
So no, I would not change it.
Hamilton and the internal battle
Last year you outscored Lewis by 86 points. This year, after five races, the gap is much smaller. How do you explain that?
Lewis is incredibly talented and has achieved far more than I have in this sport. Last year was not easy for him and I think he was unlucky on many occasions. This year, with this car, he felt comfortable straight away — for me there has been a bit more work to do, particularly in China and Montreal. I never doubted it would be close, and that is a good thing because we push each other to unlock more performance on both sides.
Our relationship has clearly evolved too. Lewis now knows the team much better — he knows exactly which people to ask for particular information. Those may seem like small details, but at a team the size of Ferrari, with around 1,500 people, they make a big difference. We have always gotten along extremely well, but now everything is a bit smoother, and that is only positive for both of us.
The famous La Rascasse corner and the bar, now dedicated to homegrown hero Charles Leclerc. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
La Rascasse
Charles, you are clearly Monaco’s most celebrated sporting son — so much so that La Rascasse, one of the most iconic corners on the circuit, now has an entire bar dedicated to you and your career. Did you have any creative input in that? And how does it feel to have your legacy cemented in Monaco in ways like this?— Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
Obviously the idea didn’t come from me. SBM (Société des bains de mer) approached me and said “We are thinking about creating something in Monaco with regards to sports, racing specifically, and doing something about you would make sense — what do you think we could put in La Rascasse?” That is where I became a little more involved, helping them identify the key moments to feature.
It was a nice process. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to go yet, but I have seen the pictures and it looks super nice. I have always dreamed of being in the position I am in today, and to see that a piece of my career will stay in La Rascasse permanently — that is an honour for me.
Charles Leclerc has committed his near future to Scuderia Ferrari, with the team announcing his contract renewal on Wednesday — days before the Monegasque driver is set to race on the streets of his home city.
The timing could hardly be more charged. As Formula 1 cars begin arriving in Monte-Carlo for the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026, with free practice getting underway on Friday and the race itself on Sunday 7th June, Leclerc heads into his home race with the security of a new long-term deal and, according to early market odds, as one of the favourites to win it.
A decade in red
Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016 as a teenager and has been in the Scuderia’s orbit ever since — through a Formula 2 title in 2017, his Formula 1 debut in 2018, and his full Ferrari seat from 2019. At 28, he is already the team’s second-most capped Formula 1 driver and second only to Michael Schumacher in pole positions.
In a personal letter shared on social media to mark the announcement, he described what the renewal means to him in terms that went well beyond contractual formality. “When I joined Ferrari, I was a kid living a dream,” he wrote. “Like so many drivers before me, I grew up knowing that Ferrari was something bigger. Not just a symbol. It is a passion that I felt long before I ever even got close to a red suit.”
‘It has become family’
The letter, signed simply “Forza Ferrari. Charles,” traced the arc of a relationship that has shaped his entire career — victories and painful near-misses alike. “Together, we’ve experienced some of the most emotional moments of my life. Victories I will never forget and difficult moments that hurt deeply. And maybe that is exactly what makes this bond so special.”
For Leclerc, the decision to stay was never really in question. “I know that people will always question your decisions in Formula 1. But when it came to this, for me, the answer was always clear.”
In his official statement, he was equally emotional. “I couldn’t be happier to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always been so much more than just a team to me. It’s the team I’ve loved and dreamt of being part of since I was a child, and after all these years it has become a second family.”
Vasseur: ‘Something very natural’
Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur said the renewal was a straightforward decision for the Scuderia. “Charles has been part of the Ferrari family for many years now and this renewal feels like something very natural for us. Over these seasons we have seen him grow, to become not only one of the strongest drivers in Formula 1, but also a person who is completely at one with the team and everything Ferrari represents.”
Ferrari currently sit second in the Constructors’ Championship behind Mercedes, with Leclerc heading into Monaco as one of the frontrunners on a circuit that has defined some of the most emotional chapters of his career — including his maiden home victory in 2024.
The length of the new contract has not been revealed publicly.
Anyone who has spent a Monaco Grand Prix weekend aboard a superyacht will tell you the same thing: once you have experienced the race from the water, nothing else compares. There is a reason discerning guests plan their entire calendar around a yacht berth, positioning themselves at the very heart of the action as the world’s most prestigious race unfolds around them.
The Impulse P1 tri-deck superyacht has played host to an elite international clientele for many seasons, and the atmosphere on deck as the Formula 1 cars come screaming past the harbour is, quite simply, unmatched in world sport. With the race weekend here, a final, exclusive handful of places remain on board.
Luxury hospitality
From the moment you arrive by private boat transfer, the mood is set. The experience blends the energy of the track with the ease of the Mediterranean — gourmet food, champagne, a resident DJ, and live race coverage across the yacht’s screens for the moments that matter on track.
The yacht draws a crowd with genuine motorsport connections, which makes for interesting company over the course of the day.
Monaco after dark
Saturday night during Grand Prix weekend is something else entirely. The circuit streets become the setting for one of the most concentrated social events on the sporting calendar, and on the evening of 6th June, Impulse P1 hosts its own party at the centre of it — cocktails, music, and an atmosphere that is difficult to find a comparison for.
Secure your place
The Impulse P1 team handles the logistics, the food programme, and the details that make the difference between a good weekend and one you actually remember.
Limited places remain for this weekend’s daytime yacht hospitality and the Saturday night party. To secure your place in the heart of the action, contact Alison MacKintosh at Alison@ImpulseP1.com, call +44 7710 097 609, or visit www.impulsep1.com.
