The race in Monaco? A boring procession according to Hamilton
For many, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Formula 1 season. Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, however, criticized the lack of spectacle at each edition.
The Monaco track is probably the most atypical of the season. In the heart of the princely streets, 22 drivers speed at full throttle, constantly brushing against the rails and narrow escapes.
The asphalt in Monaco is one of the least abrasive of the season, so much so that the cars often only need to make one pit stop during the race. This year, Pirelli has decided to bring some change in strategies by introducing purple ultra-soft tires. However, in Lewis Hamilton’s view, these tires should not change the strategic landscape: “The ultra-soft tires are almost like super-soft tires with purple paint,” stated the Mercedes driver frankly.
A new one-stop race is looming, and for Lewis Hamilton, it’s not encouraging for the spectacle. The Englishman did not mince his words: « Unfortunately, very likely, we are going to have exactly the same race as in previous years. No real decision has been made to make the race more attractive. In the last three or four years, there has only been one stop during the race, which is the most boring. Everyone knows here that if you are in pole position, you will win, and with a one-stop race, it’s a procession. I got a message from a friend the other day, and he said, ‘I’m not going to Monaco,’ because it’s a train race. I replied, ‘Yes, I know, and fortunately, I’m at the front of the train.’ (…) All everyone is waiting for is a good race. But on a track where you really can’t overtake, qualifying will be the race. You will see a procession, a train, on Sunday. (…) You will see cars following each other. »
The lack of spectacle in Monaco is not, however, a foregone conclusion. The ball would be in Pirelli’s court according to Hamilton: « I was just wondering the other night: ‘Why don’t we have more pit stops?’ For me, the ultra-softs are not soft. We need ultra, ultra, ultra, ultra-softs, four times softer, to make more stops. »
Such statements are sure to delight Pirelli, the FIA, the FOM, or the Automobile Club of Monaco.
Fortunately for the public, a few uncertainties should spice up the Monegasque Sunday, whether it be the weather (rain may occur), the traditional accidents, or Red Bull’s performance that could worry Mercedes. Does a lack of overtaking necessarily mean a lack of spectacle? Probably not.
