It was race 1 of 8 in both the 1961 World Championship of Drivers and the 1961 International Cup for Formula One Manufacturers.

[1] The erratic yearly variations in Monaco's qualifying regulations saw grid places guaranteed for works teams and past winners in 1961.

[2] Therefore, the five works teams were awarded two places each on the grid, while Stirling Moss and Maurice Trintignant earned spots.

A fifth opened up when Innes Ireland crashed during the final practice session, breaking his leg.

[2] At quarter distance, Moss had an impressive 10 second lead (in the underpowered Lotus 18-Climax)[3] but the Ferraris of Hill and then Ginther found their way around Bonnier and began to close the gap.