What can we expect from the Monaco Grand Prix?
This week we return to Monaco, the crown jewel of F1 racing. After a tense wheel-to-wheel battle in Barcelona last time out, Lewis Hamilton took his second win of the season and closed down Sebastian Vettel in the race for the Championship. So will the tight, twisty streets of the Principality deliver another thriller? Here’s what to expect from the Monaco Grand Prix:
Too close to call?
The Spanish Grand Prix saw the first big upgrade packages of the season, yet there still wasn’t much to choose between Ferrari and Mercedes. In Monaco, it should still be close as each car has different strengths. Mercedes, particularly Hamilton, were very strong in Barcelona’s low speed final sector, which means they should be strong in Monte Carlo. However, there is one clear difference between Mercedes and Ferrari this season; Mercedes’ wheelbase is 166mm longer than the Ferrari, and 260mm longer than the 2016 Mercedes. This could mean that Mercedes is at a disadvantage in Monaco’s tighter corners; particularly the hairpin and Rascasse, compared to the shorter Ferrari. With the tyres not asked to do much work, both teams should be on even footing as Pirelli’s ultra soft tyres will be the main choice throughout the weekend.
Red Bull resurgence
With the difference in engines offset by the tight street track, Red Bull should be poised for a stronger weekend. Upgrades mean that Red Bull managed to close the gap in qualifying in Spain, and their strong chassis could shine in Monaco. Red Bull should be more competitive in Monte Carlo. Daniel Ricciardo took pole last year and should’ve won the race after a pit stop problem cost him. After lucking into a podium in Barcelona, Ricciardo will relish the chance to really compete with Ferrari and Mercedes. Team-mate Max Verstappen will also be keen to take advantage after failing to make it through the first corner in Spain.
Renault could rule the midfield
We’ve seen an incredibly close fight in the midfield so far this season, and that should continue in Monaco. Nico Hulkenberg and Renault could be best of the rest in Monte Carlo. Track position is key in Monaco, and Hulkenberg has shown strong qualifying pace so far this season. Renault’s power deficit will also be minimised, allowing Hulkenberg to take the fight to current midfield leaders Force India. Like engine partners Mercedes, Force India’s wheelbase is considerably longer than that of their rivals, so they could struggle in the tighter parts of the circuit. Williams and Toro Rosso will be in the mix, as will Haas if Romain Grosjean can put his recent woes behind him.
More from McLaren
Monaco could be McLaren’s best opportunity for points this season. Honda’s dismal power deficit shouldn’t be a factor as the chassis takes centre stage. However, McLaren’s best result this year may not come from star driver Fernando Alonso, who is missing the Monaco Grand Prix to race in the Indy 500 as part of his quest for the Triple Crown. His replacement will be Jenson Button, who won at Monaco in 2009. Button has an option in his contract that could allow him to return full-time in 2018, but he has since stated that he won’t return to a race seat. So this weekend is likely to be our last chance to see Jenson race in Formula 1. Let’s hope McLaren can deliver something special.
