Wheel2Wheel looks ahead to a race like no other on the calendar, the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. After a covid-induced hiatus last year, the action returns to the streets of Monte Carlo. Let’s have a look about what might happen, this weekend…
Red Bull to edge out the silver arrows…
Monte Carlo has suited both Red Bull and Mercedes cars over recent years, with both constructors being victorious at the circuit. With Hamilton’s lead in danger of being extended further, Max in the charging Bull will have to pull out all the stops, and you can back him to. The Dutchman has been honing his craft at circuits like this and the errors have seemed to disappear. Not accounting for a ‘curse of the commentator’, Max and Sergio Perez should both end up on the podium, if qualifying goes to plan. Don’t discount Valtteri either, the man lives in Monaco!
A happier day in Monaco for Charles… for once!
His home race has been by far his most miserable, but Charles Leclerc should put all that behind him this weekend, and give locals something to cheer about. The young Ferrari driver has had a stellar start in F1 this season. This can hopefully continue this weekend. As for his teammate, Carlos Sainz could also impress here, with the Ferrari looking an improved machine in the last few weeks. Both drivers should get through the Q3 and finish points.
A disrupted session or two...
The circuit on the streets of Monte Carlo is by far the narrowest of any of of the races this year or of any year. There is little to no room for mistakes before a red flag is raised. One minimal miss-judgement and the session is over. This includes qualifying and practice sessions. Therefore, drivers at the top end of the field will want to get a lap time in early to avoid any yellow flag trouble or traffic. The odds are that someone will make a mistake at some point, but that leads more into the next prediction…
A safety car to change the race leader…
There is no doubt that Monaco has come under criticism by fans for being a ‘boring’ race. With overtaking opportunities scarce, qualifying is arguably the more interesting and exciting session. However, this Sunday, you can take it to the bank that a safety car will effect the head of the field. Because of the nature of the track, this could happen at any time from one single dip in concentration. I wouldn’t rule it out that one of the drivers does something which impacts on the whole race.
Strong showing for Alpha Tauri
The car of Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda is more than capable of a double Q3 appearance and points finish. If they can keep out of the barriers, as well as remain out of any surrounding trouble, the car could look as strong as it did in qualifying in Bahrain. A difficult track and, at times, a difficult car, especially for Yuki. This weekend, however, there should be an improved showing for the team.
Qualifying predictions:
1. VER, 2. PER, 3. HAM, 4. BOT 5. LEC
6. SAI, 7. NOR, 8. RIC, 9. GAS, 10. TSU
Race podium – 1. VER 2 HAM 3 PER
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 
I think you’re being too generous on Alpha Tauri, Tsunoda will go out in Q2.
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P1 and P2 results would say otherwise
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