Max and McLaren on Monaco Mission

By Joe Murphy

The Monaco Grand Prix: A Crown Jewel of Formula 1

Nestled in the picturesque principality of Monaco, the Circuit de Monaco is one of the most revered and challenging tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. For over 90 years, this iconic circuit has been hosting the Monaco Grand Prix, an event that embodies the essence of racing excellence, glamour, and history.

The track’s layout is a winding, 3.34-kilometer course that weaves through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, featuring a mix of fast sweepers, slow hairpins, and treacherous corners. The circuit’s most iconic section is undoubtedly the Casino Square, a high-speed corner that demands precision and bravery from drivers. As three-time Monaco winner, Nelson Piquet, once said, “Monaco is a circuit that requires a lot of precision, and it’s one of the most difficult tracks to overtake.”

The Monaco Grand Prix has a rich history, dating back to 1929 when it was first held as a Grand Prix event. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, with a roll call of legendary winners that includes Graham Hill, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. According to former F1 driver and Monaco specialist, Mika Häkkinen, “Monaco is a track that requires a special kind of driver. You need to be brave, precise, and have a deep understanding of the car.”

The track itself is a true test of driver skill and strategy, with 18 corners that demand precision and control. The fastest corner, Casino Square, sees drivers averaging speeds of 260 km/h, while the slowest corner, Loews Hairpin, requires a more delicate touch, with drivers averaging speeds of just 45 km/h. The lap distance of 3.34 kilometers may be short, but the demands of the circuit make it one of the most challenging on the calendar.

Over the years, the Monaco Grand Prix has produced some of the most memorable moments in F1 history. Who can forget Graham Hill’s five wins in the 1960s and 1970s, or Ayrton Senna’s dominant performances in the late 1980s? More recently, Lewis Hamilton’s dramatic win in 2016, where he overcame a 20-second penalty to take the chequered flag, will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.

The track’s unique layout and challenging conditions make it a true test of driver skill and strategy. As current driver, Daniel Ricciardo, notes, “Monaco is a circuit that requires a lot of setup and strategy. You need to find the perfect balance between speed and grip, and then execute it flawlessly.”

In recent years, the Monaco Grand Prix has been won by some of the biggest names in F1. Sergio Pérez took the win in 2022, while Max Verstappen claimed the chequered flag in 2021. Unfortunately, the 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Monaco Grand Prix has a long history of producing legendary winners, with Graham Hill claiming five wins, Ayrton Senna six, and Michael Schumacher three. Lewis Hamilton has also claimed three wins in Monaco, cementing his status as one of the track’s most successful drivers.

With its rich history, challenging layout, and glamorous setting, it’s no wonder that this event remains one of the most popular and prestigious on the calendar. As the great Juan Manuel Fangio once said, “Monaco is the ultimate test of a driver’s skill and a car’s performance.”

So what can we expect this weekend? Max Verstappen will be looking to build on a psootihe result in Imola last weekend that reminded fans he is a title contender this year as he bids to make it five in a row. Lewis Hamilton will also look to build on a season best Grand Prix result last weekend, the same also of Alex Albon. McLaren on the other hand will be hoping to lay down a marker, especially Lando Norris who still has catching up to do. He is yet to prove himself in terms of handling pressure. A win at the least forgiving track of the year will do wonders for his confidence.

After a record low number of overtakes in last year’s events, Saturdays Qualifying session will be a huge indication of the destination of the points come Sunday evening. Those laps will be critical to the aforementioned drivers if they are going to take to the podium at this historic track.