Victory Lap

IN 2012, I achieved something I had dreamed of since childhood—winning the GP2 race on the streets of my hometown, Monaco. And not just winning, but doing it from pole position, in a race that saw no safety car—an extreme rarity on this unforgiving circuit. Minutes after crossing the finish line, Prince Albert II of Monaco stepped onto the racetrack to shake my hand. That moment—standing there, victorious in front of family, friends, and royalty—was one I’ll never forget.

Growing up in Monaco, the Grand Prix wasn’t just a race to me. It was part of my environment, the sound and rhythm of my youth. As a kid, I watched the world’s best compete on the tight, twisting streets below my window, always dreaming that one day I would be among them. In 2012, that dream became a reality.

The weekend began with a strong free practice session, but the pressure was really on in qualifying. Overtaking in Monaco is nearly impossible, so pole position is everything. I was in Group B for the split qualifying and managed to nail a perfect lap—1:21.195—which earned me my first GP2 pole. That alone felt like a victory.

Race day brought its own intensity. Starting from the front, I had Marcus Ericsson breathing down my neck for 42 relentless laps. Monaco leaves no room for error—just the slightest mistake can put you in the wall. And yet, against the odds, there were no safety cars. Just pure, uninterrupted racing. I held my line under immense pressure and crossed the finish just 0.564 seconds ahead. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding races of my career.

But that win wasn’t just about me. It was built on a foundation of love, loyalty, and legacy. My father, Johnny Cecotto Sr., was a world champion motorcycle racer—a fierce competitor who later made the transition to four wheels. His passion and drive were my earliest lessons in what it means to be a racer. That day around every corner.

Equally vital was the woman who stood beside me through it all. In 2012, she was my girlfriend, my best friend, and my anchor—traveling with me from race to race, helping me stay focused through the highs and lows of competition. Today, she’s my wife, and together we’ve built a life here in Monaco. Our two children were born in the Principality, and they go to school here. Our family and our business are both rooted in this remarkable place.

Winning in Monaco means more than winning anywhere else. The track demands perfection, the atmosphere is electric, and the stakes—especially when racing at home—are deeply personal. That 2012 win wasn’t just about a trophy or a headline. It was about proving to myself, to my family, and to everyone watching that I could master the toughest track on the calendar on my terms.

As I stood on the podium, the flag waving above me and Prince Albert offering his congratulations, I felt the convergence of past, present, and future. Monaco wasn’t just my home anymore—it had become the stage for one of the most meaningful victories of my life.

By Johnny Cecotto Jr.

Contributor

Johnny Cecotto Jr., born September 9, 1989, in Caracas, Venezuela, is a Monegasque-raised racing driver who achieved a historic GP2 victory from pole position at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix.