Presentation – Monaco GP: Single-seaters and celebrities on the rock

« Monaco is a unique circuit, it requires a lot of work to properly set up the car and optimize it for this narrow track. It’s always a challenge – a huge challenge for every driver – but a very exciting one, and it’s always been one of my favorite races of the season. »

Weekend driver Jenson Button gets back in the McLaren, which will carry the number 22 on the Monaco coast. The Briton replaces Fernando Alonso, who has taken on another challenge: the Indianapolis 500 miles (after a great qualifying session, the double world champion will start from fifth place this Sunday).

In any case, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the highlights of motorsport. With its narrow track, safety rails that are always very (too?) close, and its 78 frenetic laps, it is undoubtedly the most anachronistic yet also the most demanding circuit in Formula 1.

An Timeless Monument

Alongside Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza, Monaco is part of the quartet of circuits that witnessed the early days of the premier discipline on the Old Continent. During the first edition labeled the World Championship in 1950, it was the Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio, driving his Alfa Romeo, who won. While its European counterparts have undergone many modifications, the track on the rock has seen few major transformations: the new Port chicane at the Tunnel exit and the creation of the Louis Chiron and Swimming Pool corners, aptly named due to the construction of a pool on the original layout.

Prestigious Grand Prix, Monaco is a race every driver wishes to win during their career. Of the twenty drivers who will start on Sunday, only four have already reached the top step of the podium: Räikkönen, Hamilton, Button, and Vettel. Notably absent, Alonso is also among the winners, with his consecutive victories in 2006 and 2007.

But Monaco also requires constant vigilance. Incidents happen quickly and are very punishing. In 1996, Olivier Panis won a Monaco Grand Prix where only three drivers finished the race—and thus on the podium—because, for various reasons, the other nineteen drivers dropped out. As a side note, it should be mentioned that the former driver (with 158 races to his name) is still the last French winner to date…

Another more striking fact, because it is unimaginable in the modern era, during the 1955 race, Alberto Ascari lost control of his car at the harbor chicane and ended his race at the bottom of the waters; before being rescued!

Today, the safety barriers and devices around the circuit make the race safer, and the excellence of the Monegasque track marshals, recognized in the automotive world for their speed and efficiency, ensures the smooth running of the event.

Coup de poker et roulette anglo-saxonne: “les jeux sont faits” !

Will the principality be the stage for another act of this year’s duel between Vettel and Hamilton? What is certain at this hour: the qualification will be competitive and should be decided by thousandths, due to the limited length of the track.

Another issue of the weekend: it is important to know if the long wheelbase of the Mercedes will be a handicap against a much more compact Ferrari. There is no guarantee that Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Räikkönen won’t get involved in the fight and take the lead roles if they manage to achieve a perfect qualification, as it is so difficult to overtake on the Rock.

On the Red Bull side, it will be necessary to see if the new chassis, which debuted in Spain, will allow them to get closer to the two leading teams on a circuit where engine power is not essential. But won’t the problem of generating downforce since the start of the season undermine the Austrian team’s chances of good results?

Another question, will the best independent team, Force India, have the opportunity to extend its points-scoring streak, unbroken since the start of the season? Let’s remember that Sergio Pérez is on a run of 14 races finished in the top 10, and Esteban Ocon has always finished in the points since the start of his first full season. The Indian team’s car seems strong in all conditions, so it’s entirely possible that this weekend could be an opportunity to score big points and pull away from Williams in the constructors’ standings.

Precisely at Williams, the Grand Prix might prove to be challenging. For several years now, the Grove team’s cars have not been comfortable on street circuits with slow corners. Another question mark is whether Lance Stroll can continue his lengthy learning process on one of the most difficult tracks, especially for a beginner. In any case, if there is an opportunity to achieve something in the race, the British team can rely on the experienced Felipe Massa, who appears to have found a second wind, as evidenced by his two sixth-place finishes since the season began.

Regarding the other mid-field teams, it will be important to watch if Renault continues to progress in the hierarchy thanks to Nico Hülkenberg who is perfectly fulfilling his role as the team’s leader. With Toro Rosso being the closest challenger to the French team, it will be interesting to see if the Italian team will have a sufficient level to stay ahead.

Last team that can be considered in this performance category, Haas. Will the recurring brake problems faced by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen allow the drivers to have enough confidence to attack a circuit where confidence in their car must be at its maximum?

Finally, despite Fernando Alonso’s absence this weekend, Monaco is the perfect place for a surprise named McLaren. The goal will certainly be to score some points, as this track demands much more from the chassis than the engine. Everything is possible for the men from Woking, if the engine holds up.

Will Jenson Button be in the game, considering he hasn’t driven the car in real conditions this season?

At Sauber, will new developments in the undertray and brake ducts have the potential to improve the overall performance of an underperforming car with an outdated engine? Pascal Wehrlein is certainly in a good dynamic after an unexpected eighth place in Spain.

To (really) know everything…

As was the case in Australia and Russia, the ultra-soft purple-banded tires will reappear on the streets of the Principality. To complete the range, Pirelli is bringing the super-soft and soft tires, expecting low degradation, which should prolong the enjoyment before returning to the pits. This time, the drivers could choose for themselves the number of tire sets per type of compound.

Time for one of our favourite #F1 street races! #MonacoGP https://t.co/UDmv2rwHww pic.twitter.com/EGSdKr46ps

— Pirelli (@Pirelli) 22 mai /f1/actualite/21967-les-choix-des-pneumatiques-par-pilote-pour-monaco.html

The use of DRS will be possible on the start-finish line, with the detection point placed in the curve that goes from the Swimming Pool to the double-right of Rascasse.

Weather-wise, the sun will be shining continuously, and temperatures will range between 18 and 23°C throughout the weekend, ensuring good tire performance on the Monaco asphalt.

Don’t forget the TV program!

Monegasque specificity, Free Practice 1 and 2 will take place on Thursday.

Exceptionally, the Grand Prix will also be broadcast on C8, free-to-air, something that will delight non-subscribers to the encrypted channel! The broadcast will start at 12:00 with the drivers’ parade.

Finally, this great Sunday will be completely interactive. Just like during the first Grand Prix, you will be able to react live on our live audio YouTube with our trio of commentators, returning especially for this unmissable event! Mark your calendars for 1 PM!