Ex-Ferrari driver crashes classic F1 car in Monaco

This week, the Historic Monaco Grand Prix returns to the streets of Monaco. The event is one of the highlights of the principality’s spring motorsport calendar and takes place before the Formula E and Formula 1 race weekends. It gives fans the chance to see classic racing cars from different eras compete on the famous street circuit, while several former Formula 1 drivers also take part.

Friday’s running included a serious incident for former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi. The Frenchman was driving a Ferrari 312 from the 1969 season when he lost control on the approach to the Nouvelle Chicane. The car spun and hit the barrier before coming to a stop away from the racing line. Alesi was unharmed after the crash.

The Ferrari 312 is an important and valuable piece of Formula 1 history, which means the damage is likely to be costly to repair. The model was used by Ferrari for four seasons, with its best result in 1969 being third place at the Dutch Grand Prix, achieved by Chris Amon. Historic cars such as this are rare, and repairs can often be complex because original parts are difficult to replace.

Alesi remains a well-known name among Formula 1 fans. He raced for Ferrari between 1991 and 1995 and scored his only Grand Prix victory at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. He later competed for Benetton, Sauber, Prost and Jordan during a career that included more than 200 race starts.

It is not the first time a Ferrari has been damaged during the Historic Monaco Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc previously crashed a 1974 Ferrari once driven by Niki Lauda after hitting the barrier at Rascasse. Despite such incidents, the event continues to attract strong interest every year because it combines motorsport history with one of the world’s most famous circuits.

Use code F1TICKETSBCL20 and get 20 EUR off your 2026 Barcelona F1 ticket order until 26 April. Don’t miss this limited-time offer and secure your place at one of the most exciting races of the season today!