The Formula 1 maturity certificate: Monaco

SEBASTIAN VETTEL: The Ferrari driver got the most out of the weekend. With the second most powerful car, the German made it to second place in qualifying and the race. Vettel drove flawlessly and would have had a good chance of winning in the duel with Daniel Ricciardo in the technically handicapped Red Bull on a track with more overtaking opportunities. The bottom line is that he is still a loser: he was unable to repeat his victory last year, and he only gained three points on Lewis Hamilton in the World Cup. Last year, Vettel collected a whopping 19 points more in the principality than his long-term rival. There are not many tracks on the racing calendar where, on paper, Ferrari has such clear advantages over Mercedes as in Monaco.

LEWIS HAMILTON: Hamilton did maximum damage control in Monaco. His Mercedes was not as fast as the cars from Red Bull and Ferrari. Nevertheless, he didn't finish fifth, but third - of course also by Verstappen's grace (see below). The loss of three points to Vettel is too much for the Englishman to bear, especially since the next race takes place in Canada on one of his favorite tracks. The Monaco victory was something very special for him, but the World Cup was even more important, explained the 33-year-old. And he took an important step towards title number five on Sunday.

DANIEL RICCIARDO: An (almost) perfect weekend for the Australian. Fastest in all training sessions, pole position, start-to-finish victory. And that was in the 250th race of his Red Bull team. His teammate Max Verstappen was the only one who managed to steal the fastest lap from him - and thus thwarted Ricciardo's first "Grand Slam". The Australian can get over it. He got his comeuppance for 2016 when, after pole position, a mistake by his pit crew robbed him of victory. In addition, Ricciardo is back in the World Cup fight - and is now the clear number one in the team. That can only be good for the often underestimated Ricciardo and his wallet. His contract with the Bulls is expiring, and in its current form a big salary increase is due. Red Bull should do everything they can to keep him because he is an extremely reliable player.

MAX STAGES: The Dutchman experienced what was probably the biggest crash landing of his life in Monaco. In terms of speed, victory would have been possible, but a stupid mistake in the last free practice session led to a major accident that cost him all chances. The Red Bull team management and numerous experts threw up their hands; despite all his talent, the 20-year-old is increasingly seen as resistant to advice. Doubts arise as to whether he actually has what it takes to become a world champion. After all: From last place on the grid, Verstappen fought his way up to ninth place - on a track where you can't actually overtake. But to be at the top, you have to show your class from Friday to Sunday.

MONACO: The race in the principality remains simply legendary. The beautiful, rich and party-loving people throw Monte Carlo into a state of emergency during the long last weekend in May. The drivers love the special flair and the challenge of finding the right mix of risk and control in the crash barrier jungle. But the race was, as almost always, a bore. That's why Lewis Hamilton half-seriously, half-jokingly suggested changing the course and extending the route. Purists may scream, but the idea should at least be considered.

SAYING OF THE WEEKEND: “That was compensation for 2016, it just had to work.” (Daniel Ricciardo after his victory)

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The Formula 1 maturity certificate: Monaco

In our Monday section we take a look back at the last race weekend and highlight the protagonists again.

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