Monaco Grand Prix 1996 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Olivier Panis claimed a stunning maiden victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, capitalizing on carnage and attrition to deliver Ligier's first win since the 1981 Spanish Grand Prix. The Frenchman drove a faultless race in treacherous wet conditions, surviving where favorites fell away to claim one of Formula 1's most unlikely and emotional victories.

The race was run in torrential rain that caused chaos from the start. Only four cars finished, with David Coulthard second for McLaren-Mercedes and Johnny Herbert third for Sauber. Both Williams drivers retired - Damon Hill crashed out after losing concentration, while Jacques Villeneuve spun off while leading. Michael Schumacher started from pole but crashed into the barriers at Portier, ending his hopes of a second Monaco victory. The attrition rate was extraordinary even by Monaco's standards, with only three cars running at the finish.

Panis' victory was one of the sport's great underdog triumphs, rewarding his consistent performances for the struggling Ligier team. The Frenchman's celebration on the podium was deeply emotional, knowing he might never get another opportunity to win. The race demonstrated Monaco's unforgiving nature, where one mistake could end championship hopes. Hill's retirement was particularly costly, allowing Villeneuve to reduce the championship gap despite also failing to score. The chaotic race became an instant classic, remembered as much for who didn't win as for Panis' fairytale triumph.