Questions and answers about the Monte Carlo Grand Prix

No time to breathe. Just a few days after Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen took control of the World Cup, he is the hunted again. This time in Monte Carlo, the Dutchman's adopted hometown. His first challenger is Charles Leclerc, who was born in Monaco and has known every corner there since he was a child. This hasn't helped him much so far. The two in the Red Bull and Ferrari may have to prepare for even more resistance from Mercedes this time anyway.

Who is the favorite to win the Principality?

After three wins in a row, Max Verstappen has received an enormous boost and is starting as the world championship leader. In his world championship year in 2021, he won in Monte Carlo for the first time, and he now wants to confirm that. But as with his Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc, who has been demoted to pursuer and has been plagued by bad luck and breakdowns in Monte Carlo and who recently even demolished a historic racing car owned by Niki Lauda there, it also depends on the stability of his car. However, the short circuit in Monte Carlo is at least not one that puts too much wear on the engine. It will be exciting to see whether Mercedes can continue the upward trend with record world champion Lewis Hamilton and his new partner George Russell.

What is important?

Clearly: onto qualifying. The one fast lap on Saturday is crucial for the outcome of the race on Sunday. Since 1979, when Jody Scheckter won from pole position in a Ferrari, the eventual race winner has only failed to make it into the top three in qualifying three times. What is always crucial in the race: When does the safety car have to come out, given the probability so far is 80 percent? And how is the weather? Forecasts say it could rain on Sunday. This can cause turbulence.

Wants to really know at his home race: Charles Leclerc. © ANSA / Alejandro Garcia

Will the major aero reform of the cars this season also affect the race in Monaco?

It will at least be exciting to watch how the drivers will heave the cars, which are almost 50 kilograms heavier, around the tight corners. In addition, due to the larger tires, the view from the cockpit is no longer what it was before. Any contact with a board can mean a quick end in Monte Carlo.

Is there a new status regarding the future of Formula 1 in Monaco?

So far it appears that, according to the head of the Monegasque automobile club, discussions are ongoing. It remains to be seen whether this will come to an end on the race weekend and a new contract will be announced with great PR. Without changes, for example to the course that is hostile to overtaking, the former crown jewel in the racing calendar will also have a difficult time, especially since Las Vegas could set completely new standards in the future.

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Questions and answers about the Monte Carlo Grand Prix

Formula 1: One person in particular will want to know this time: title hunter Charles Leclerc. The local hero has a curse on his home track.

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