Monaco Grand Prix – Free Practice 1: Sergio Perez and Red Bull show their teeth

Four drivers exploring this unusual track

Nicholas Latifi is no longer a rookie, but last year the Monaco Grand Prix did not take place. So, he will accompany Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin to the discovery of a very dangerous track at the wheel of an F1. Yuki Tsunoda has everything to learn, it’s the first time he will be driving here.

A studious start to the session.

As soon as the lights go out, the majority of the drivers take off. This year, the free practice sessions are shortened by half an hour. In Monaco, this is all the more problematic as the track is constantly evolving. Very slippery at the start of the session, everyone is very cautious. The majority therefore start with the hardest tires. The search for performance will be gradual throughout the weekend. The drivers must accumulate as much driving time as possible in order to establish references and above all to capitalize on the confidence they must have with their car.

Unfortunately, after only nine short minutes, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari has to stop in its box due to a gearbox issue, which completely compromises his session.

Experience is essential, fervor can prove to be profitable on a lap.

The first half-hour gives pride of place to cars that are easy to drive, as well as to the experience of the drivers. Among those who quickly feel confident, we find Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso, and even Räikkönen. Despite the incident with Ferrari No. 16, the car seems well-suited to the Monaco circuit. Carlos Sainz is easily topping the time sheets.

At the midway point, it is Max Verstappen who takes off. Once the track is clear, he finally manages to put his name at the top, just before Valtteri Bottas overtakes him, followed by Hamilton. The die is cast. We also note an excellent ranking of Pierre Gasly in fourth place as well as George Russell in twelfth.

Setback for the Alpine team with Ocon at the bottom of the ranking, and Alonso who rips off his front wing at the last turn Anthony Noghès.

A session ending where performance is already being tested

Once the red tire compound has been passed, Pierre Gasly launches the hostilities and takes the lead. Something that will give him a lot of confidence. His teammate Tsunoda also seems to be in good form this morning, but is not benefiting from completely clear laps.

Who says performance research says taking more risks. Räikkönen and Alonso go straight to Sainte Dévote without consequences, before the veteran Spaniard damages his front wing in the Antony Noghès turn. Carlos Sainz will also rub his car against the rails.

The standout performer of the session is clearly Max Verstappen. On yellow tires, he regains the lead from Pierre Gasly. Sergio Perez is following him closely, but on red tires. Clearly, the Red Bull team’s cars seem to have the advantage here.

All on track for the last five minutes.

Max Verstappen keeps the yellow tires, and remains the fastest in the first sector but loses time in the next two due to traffic and less appropriate tires. Therefore, Sergio Perez on the red tires reassures himself by finishing FP1 at the top of the standings.

Carlos Sainz finishes his session in second place, 7 hundredths behind the leader and slots in between the two Red Bulls. In the end, the Mercedes remained very discreet and position themselves as outsiders.

Here is the table of Free Practice 1 for this Monaco Grand Prix 2021.