Monaco Grand Prix 2004 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jarno Trulli delivered a stunning upset victory at Monaco, ending Michael Schumacher's record-breaking winning streak with a brilliant pole-to-flag performance that gave Renault their first victory since returning as a works team. The Italian controlled the Monaco Grand Prix from start to finish, managing the tight street circuit expertly while Schumacher's Ferrari suffered rare unreliability issues that dropped him out of contention. Jenson Button claimed a superb second place for BAR-Honda, while Rubens Barrichello salvaged third for Ferrari after Schumacher's retirement - the first time all season a Ferrari hadn't won.

Trulli's victory represented a perfectly executed performance on Formula 1's most demanding circuit. Starting from pole position, the Italian judged Monaco's unique challenges brilliantly, managing his pace while the chaos unfolded behind him. Button drove magnificently to finish second, the Englishman's Monaco podium cementing his status as 2004's breakout star. Schumacher's retirement due to differential failure ended his winning streak at five races and provided a rare setback in an otherwise flawless campaign. The result injected unexpected drama into what had threatened to become a processional championship.

Monaco's upset result proved Ferrari's superiority wasn't absolute, though their dominance on conventional circuits remained overwhelming. Trulli's triumph validated Renault's development direction and demonstrated that Monaco's unique characteristics could neutralize the F2004's advantage. Button's podium was his third in six races, while BAR's consistent form suggested they might yet challenge for victory. For Schumacher, the retirement was merely a temporary interruption - his 58-point championship lead remained commanding despite Ferrari's first defeat.