Money can’t buy you everything. A photo that shows the blunt truth even billionaires can’t escape has dropped jaws around the world ahead of the richest event in sport.
Final Preparations for Monaco Grand Prix
Final preparations for the Monaco Grand Prix are set to be completed in coming days with the streets of the glamorous city being transformed into the most iconic street circuit in motorsport. The F1 world is descending on the French Riviera city ahead of Sunday night’s race, with the action beginning with the first practice sessions on Friday. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The Exclusive Port Hercule
The event, widely considered one of the world’s most glamorous weekends, is highlighted by the annual battle to secure a spot inside the famous Port Hercule where even some of the richest people on the planet are locked out. The famed “billionaires row” port is the most exclusive location in world sport, sitting just metres away from the track. Port Hercule contains more than 700 berths in total, depending on vessel size, with only around 110 capable of accommodating large superyachts. Demand from rich and famous attendees exceeds supply by an obscene total.
According to industry estimates, the cost of docking a vessel in the port is up to $800,000 for the week. According to reports, the costs of some party packages with a front row spot range up to $2.6 million for the weekend. Costs have nothing to do with the overall availability, however. With preference for the exclusive docks given to existing patrons and those with official connection to the event, even those with cash to splash are powerless to secure a spot.
Yachts Anchored Offshore
The totally insane market forces are the main reason more than 70 yachts, including vessels worth up to $500 million, were left anchored off the coast line during the 2025 F1 Grand Prix. An image from the 2025 race is spreading across cyberspace again with many social media users left gobsmacked by the scene of insane wealth on display. Many of those living the high life on the offshore vessels have in recent years needed to take helicopters to reach the shore or have private vessels carry them ashore. They will no doubt be crying themselves to sleep on their piles of money.
Issues at Billionaires Row
That doesn’t mean the iconic “billionaires row” at the pointy end of the Port Hercule dock doesn’t have its issues. Millions of dollars in damages were accrued when a powerboat smashed into two other vessels before mounting a docking jetty during the 2024 race. Footage at the time showed two spectators at the event were lucky to escape without injury as the boat came in like a wrecking ball between a little dinghy and a superyacht full of partygoers.
Boring Spectacle Concerns
The only sobering thought for those with a spot at the most prestigious seats in sport is that they are watching an increasingly boring spectacle. The iconic track is well past its used-by date, turning the race into a glorified procession. F1 and Monaco Grand Prix officials were widely torched last year when new regulations failed to create any drama. Despite a new mandatory two-stop rule being in place last year, the top four all finished in the same spot they started as Lando Norris gave McLaren its first Monaco Grand Prix win since 2008.
