Fairmont hairpin

This is the most famous hairpin in motor sport, once called the Station hairpin, then Loews, and today Fairmont, after the hotel above it. It is the slowest corner in the entire world championship: the cars take it at only around fifty kilometres per hour, on full lock. Some teams even have to modify their cars’ steering to turn this tightly. For photographers it is a legendary spot: the cars crawl past almost at walking pace, framed by palm trees and flowered balconies. The old Monte Carlo railway station once stood here, which explains the corner’s first name. Outside the Grand Prix, try following the pavement while imagining the racing line: you will see how tiny the margin for error is. In May it is not unusual to see a driver brush the barrier here, cheered on by spectators at the hotel windows.

History

This is the most photographed hairpin on the Monaco circuit. Its name has changed over time. It was first called the Station hairpin, because the old Monte Carlo railway station stood here. In 1973 a large hotel opened on the site, the Loews, and the corner took its name. The hotel was later renamed Fairmont, and the hairpin followed: its name simply depends on the hotel’s sign.

Building the hotel also changed the race. In 1973 the structure extended over the road towards Portier, lengthening the tunnel. Footage from that year shows the cars passing under the pillars of the hotel, still a building site.

Art and architecture

The hairpin is a left hander taken at very low speed. Wikipedia describes it as the slowest corner of the entire championship. Drivers need full steering lock, and it is so tight that many Formula One teams must redesign their steering and suspension specifically for it.

It comes just after Mirabeau, at the end of a short downhill run. Afterwards the road keeps descending to Portier, a double right hander named after the district, and then into the tunnel.

Anecdotes

In the past the hairpin saw many overtaking moves. Today, according to Wikipedia, it would be almost physically impossible for two modern cars to go round side by side, so long and wide are they for such a short corner.

This slowness is also debated. Since the start of the 21st century, commentators and drivers have criticised the circuit for producing dull races, pointing to the very low speed through the Fairmont hairpin, the scarcity of overtaking and how often the pole sitter wins.

In 2026 the hairpin welcomed a very different field: stage 1 of the Vuelta a España cycling race, a time trial, passed through here before heading on to Portier.

What to look for

Stand on the outer pavement and look at the curve: you will see why photographers love it, with the cars crawling past and the hotel as a backdrop. Look up at the facade: it is under this building that the road then drops towards the tunnel.

Outside race time, trace the kerb with your eyes and imagine the line of a racing car: the margin is tiny.

Practical

The circuit is a public road, open to traffic all year outside the Grand Prix. Keep to the pavements: buses and cars turn here slowly but tightly, and the corner is blind. Do not step into the road for a photo.

During the build and on race weekend, access may change or require a ticket. Check the Automobile Club de Monaco website (acm.mc).

Nearby

Carry on to Portier and the sea, then follow the seafront to the tunnel exit and the harbour chicane. Walking back up, you will reach Mirabeau and Casino Square.

The Wikipedia articles "Circuit de Monaco", in French and English, trace the changes to the layout year by year.

Test yourself

Sources

• Wikipédia : Circuit de Monaco
• Wikipedia: Circuit de Monaco
• Automobile Club de Monaco : calendrier

Information checked on 30 September 2026.