Predictions for the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix
By Joe Murphy
With the annual procession set to take place in the principality of Monaco this weekend, Wheel2Wheel Reports bring you the predictions for this race. We are at a point in the season where the races come thick and fast and every point is critical in the battle between both drivers and constructors. Will we see any surprises around the streets of Monte Carlo, or will the event continue to come under increasing pressure to be removed from the racing calendar? As you will read, the weather could lend itself to the former! Let’s discuss…
Is Max’s winning run set to continue?
Max Verstappen is on fire right now. He may have had help on route to victory in Barcelona last time out, but he capitalised in style to eventually win in comfortable fashion. In Monaco, the Dutchman has endured a mixed set of results, most recently winning the race last year. This year, he is yet again up against a competitive Ferrari and it won’t be easy, but he has the tools at his disposal to challenge for the top step position, yet again. As we have seen in previous years, Saturday’s qualifying session may prove pivotal in deciding the outcome of the race on Sunday. At a circuit where even the slightest mistake could cost you any points at all, the reigning World Champion will have to make sure he get’s everything right in order to have a chance here. As we have seen in his 24 previous wins, he certainly has the ability to make that 25 this weekend.
How will Charles fare in his cursed hometown race?
I certainly don’t know of anybody who has such a bad record at a single venue that just so happens to be their home Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc drives these streets more often than anybody, and has done so for years having grown up across the harbour from Prince Albert. Despite this, the location has never been favourable to the young Ferrari driver. He qualified Pole last year, only for his race to end before it even started. This is even more cruel when you consider how important pole position at this track, can be. All this being said, bad luck runs have to end sometime. As bold a claim as it might be, Charles Leclerc will have a positive result this weekend. As for Max above, Saturday’s result could prove pivotal in deciding the outcome of the Grand Prix. Much like Lewis Hamilton did last season, Charles cannot let Max build up a substantial lead at the top of the standings. He has to keep him honest and on his toes for as long as he can. There is no better venue for the Monaco-born driver to bounce back after the disaster of Barcelona. It all depends on if he can handle the pressure. If he is going to be a championship contender, this is something he is going to have to do.
Are Mercedes really back?
Well, no. In short and simple terms, it has to be no. The pace was significantly better than we had seen in previous races before, but the days of Silver Arrow 1-2 dominance are, at least for now, over. Ferrari and Red Bull are two quicker cars right now, meaning the best Russell and Hamilton can realistically hope for is 5th and 6th, only finishing higher if things happen to the other teams. Another factor you must consider is the location. Spain has been more than favourable to the Constructor’s Champions over the last decade or so. With Monaco, this is much less the case. They have struggled in recent years, with the event probably being the least suited to previous Mercedes cars. The team will bounce back, even if they do indeed fail to retain their title. George and Lewis have both had excellent performances so far this season and have kept them, just about, in the hunt. This weekend, I do expect Mercedes to produce something of a result. However, as I am about to discuss, a lot of this relies on circumstance rather than outright pace. Their slow corner pace has never suited street circuits, and this is set to continue this weekend, unless the weather comes into play…
Rain could shake up the grid…
Late May, in the South of France, surely not! But in many ways, this is a race that could really do with the added suspense that rain gives a Grand Prix. As we have seen countless times, the weather can turn a race from something of a bore to one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in sport. And the forecast for the area clearly shows that there could indeed be rain at some point over the weekend, particularly on Sunday. When speaking of the weather, nothing is concrete in terms of predictions. A surprise result in a race full of drama would surely be a spectacle. Moreover, this track doesn’t let the drivers achieve the greatest speeds, but the sheer nature of the circuit means even the slightest mistake could end a weekend prematurely.
A surprise in store as the pole sitter fails to win…
This final prediction wouldn’t be shocking at all at any other venue on the calendar. As alluded to repeatedly during this piece, qualifying usually gives you the winner of the race a day early, with only a few exceptions. Due to the difficulties of space when overtaking, it is usually a forgone conclusion. However, building on from the previous entry, I am taking the risky approach of stating that the pole sitter, whoever that may be, will not be the race winner. When looking at this seasons form guide, you’d be shocked if one of Verstappen or Leclerc don’t take pole here, but you never know. The unpredictable nature of the weather could realistically hand victory to of a range of drivers. The Mercedes could be brought back into play, Sainz could capitalise to take his first win, Schumacher could finish and secure a point at last and more. Any of these predictions have a genuine chance of occurring, with the odds improving the worse the weather turns out to be.
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