Olivier Panis won from 14th on the grid in chaotic wet conditions, with only three cars finishing — a Formula One record for fewest finishers.
Key Facts
- Date
- 19 May 1996
- Race number in season
- 6th race of the 1996 F1 season
- Finishers
- 3 (fewest ever in a Grand Prix)
- Winner
- Olivier Panis (Ligier-Mugen Honda)
- Last French F1 winner until
- Pierre Gasly at 2020 Italian Grand Prix
- Last French constructor win until
- Renault at 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Heavy rain throughout the race created treacherous circuit conditions at Monaco, causing numerous accidents and retirements. A well-timed switch to slick tyres during a pitstop gave Olivier Panis a crucial strategic advantage over rivals who struggled to keep their cars on track.
The 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, held on 19 May, saw Olivier Panis start 14th and win for the Ligier team ahead of David Coulthard in a McLaren-Mercedes and Johnny Herbert in a Sauber. Only these three cars were running at the finish, setting an all-time Formula One record for the fewest classified finishers in a Grand Prix.
The victory was Panis's sole Formula One win and the final Grand Prix victory for the Ligier constructor. It was also the first win for engine manufacturer Mugen-Honda. No French driver would win a Formula One race again until 2020, and no French-licensed constructor would win again until Renault's 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix triumph.
Result
at Circuit de Monaco, Monaco