Vettel and Ricciardo ready for the Monaco challenge
After a challenging Spanish weekend but marked by a strong comeback in the race, Sebastian Vettel is now focusing on the next round of the Formula 1 World Championship, the Monaco Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel believes that the layout of the upcoming Monaco GP will be a challenge for everyone. The German knows that the slightest mistake on this circuit is costly and opens the door to overtaking by competitors, but it remains one of the German’s favorite circuits.
« Monaco is one of my favorite circuits, it’s a real challenge. You can’t afford the slightest mistake, because otherwise you end up in the rails. Overtaking is only possible by taking a big risk. The best place to overtake is just before the harbor chicane when we come out of the tunnel at 300 km/h and approach the chicane in first gear. Apart from that, you have to be particularly patient in Monaco and have confidence in the reliability of your car, this circuit almost feels like a roller coaster, it’s huge, » said the reigning four-time world champion.
However, the star Red Bull driver does not forget the qualification while recalling good memories:
« Ideally, you need to achieve a good qualifying position and start at the front. Monaco brings back many great memories with the team, especially when everyone ends up in the [motorhome] pool, and one year Mark and I even ended up in the harbor. It’s very special in Monaco and it’s a race where we have our Energy Station [the Red Bull motorhome] with a large part floating in the harbor, it’s a truly fabulous event. »
The German’s teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, also praises the historical yet fun side of the circuit and the Grand Prix – particularly the atmosphere that prevails there: « In Monte Carlo, it is impossible to be a calm and detached driver. Every year, I’m determined to approach the weekend in a cold and logical manner, and every year I end up being really excited. It’s impressive. The atmosphere in the city and on the harbor, the history of the race, the crowd that comes in droves, it’s really thrilling. »
« Driving an F1 car anywhere is special – the speed, the power, and the acceleration are truly breathtaking – but here, it’s… cool. I know some say Monaco is like riding a bike in your bathroom – well, when I was a kid, I loved riding my bike inside the house. It was way more fun, there were more obstacles and dangers, » jokes the young Australian driver.
However, the Australian believes that the driver’s experience will be crucial to perform well in the Principality: Experience really helps here: the driver can make a real difference if they know the little tricks needed to make a fast lap.
