Champagne on the Sidelines: Martin Parr at the Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious Formula 1 racing events in the world, drawing an extravagant crowd to the French Riviera year after year. On Sunday, bystanders watched the cars fly across the Circuit de Monaco, which runs through the streets of Monte Carlo. Martin Parr photographed the luxurious parties leading up to race day where champagne flowed on yachts packed with rich and famous spectators, as well as the hillside sidelines where mere mortals caught glimpses through binoculars.

“The first thing to say is that Monaco is mobbed by all classes, in all locations, from the expensive matches by the side of the track to the precarious hill overlooking it where thousands of people literally hang on to the hillside,” says Parr. “I love the way the track opens up after the races, and becomes one of the main social points.”