Formula One Lodge Enjoys Monaco Grand Prix Weekend
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W Bro Ian Dent, Safety Car Driver (Almoner), writes
Formula One Lodge No 4168 is a special interest Lodge for Brethren with an interest in everything F1 as well as Freemasonry. The Brethren carefully planned a visit to the famous Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco for this year’s Grand Prix – the jewel in the crown of F1 circuits – on Sunday May 7th 2026. And what a race weekend it was!
Our busy Masonic diaries making it difficult to coincide for all to manage to travel there together, we set off at different times; the earliest group on the Thursday prior to practice day. Three keen petrol-headed Brethren led by W Bro Daniel Graham set off in their cars – two Porsches and a Ferrari – for the long journey down through France, stopping overnight en route. Others flew in on Friday morning in time for Practice Day, whilst W Bro Vincent Driver enjoyed a week-long stay, as did our very own ex-racing driver, W Bro Les Sinclair.
We all met up that evening for dinner in “Il Giardino”, a restaurant recommended by our Monaco-based Brother and F1 member, W Bro Steve Bull, who also very kindly arranged the purchase of our very well-chosen tickets for Qualifying and Race Day; overlooking the circuit from the first turn, Sainte Devote, right at the very top of the grandstand. Thank you, Steve!
This particular seating also allowed us to view the cars in two places as they raced round and then headed back down to Nouvelle Chicane, Turn 10. The eagle-eyed Brethren who watched the televised race saw our very own F1 Lodge flag proudly displayed by myself and W Bro Terry Hall.
After an enjoyable qualifying session in beautiful sunny weather, we all headed out “from labour to refreshment”, where we were fortunate enough to enjoy a couple of cocktails in Le Méridienne Beach Plaza. We were all overwhelmed by the endless number of exotic, incredibly expensive and rare supercars, including the Koenigsegg, Dalara and Bugatti brands all parked outside. At this point we each hurriedly added our predictions for race day for the first four places, fastest lap and last place to the F1 WhatsApp group as is customary in the Lodge for each F1 race.
We are all hugely competitive, hoping to win the annual prize for predicting the Championship.
Before heading back to our temporary residences, we visited the picturesque Beaujolais area of Monaco for a last Mojito, where we managed to briefly meet some of the Mercedes Petronas Pit Team who agreed to a photo with us and our flag. In true Masonic style, a joining form may have been mentioned!
With plenty of sunscreen applied for another hot day and after enjoying an amazing continental breakfast, we headed back to the track for the big event. This did not disappoint. The atmosphere of the drivers parade, the Monaco national anthem and everyone wearing their teams’ shirts and colours added to the hair-raising racing about to take place, After an exciting race that went down to the wire, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes took the crown for his fifth win in a row. Another well-deserved win.
After saying our goodbyes, we all headed off to get the train back to Nice airport, where we took in the picturesque views of the Port of Monaco and the many beautiful yachts belonging to the rich and famous and reflected on our happy and memorable time here. We also made plans for our next possible visit, which I am sure is not far away.
If you are interested in Formula One and would like more information about the Lodge, please send an enquiry to secretary@4168.com
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 61 – Summer 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 61 here.
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