All Fermi answers
Fermi #55 · Question 1

How far does the winner of Formula 1's Monaco Grand Prix drive, counting every lap from start to finish?

Explore the official answer and the simple reasoning behind this Fermi estimate.

1QUESTION 1 OF 3

Answer & explanation

The official answer, with Fermi’s reasoning step by step.

Answer & explanation

Official answer

161.7

miles

How to estimate it

Fermi’s official “Napkin math”

The easiest place to start is how long a Grand Prix lasts, about an hour and a half. Monaco is all tight corners through city streets, so what do the cars average? Nowhere near top speed. Call it 100 miles an hour.

Race length
1.5 hours
Average speed
× 100 mph
1.5 × 100
≈ 150 miles

Rounded assumptions may give a slightly different estimate. The official answer above is the game’s reference value.

Source calculation & reference
Monaco circuit length (formula1.com)
3.337 km
Race laps
× 78
3.337 × 78
= 260.286 km
260.286 ÷ 1.609
≈ 161.7 miles

Reference cited by Fermi: Formula 1 Monaco circuit page · FIA Sporting Regulations Art. B2.5.2

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