You have to know that about the Formula 1 classic in Monaco

Created: 05/26/2022, 04:18

The two top favorites for victory in Monaco: Charles Leclerc (l) and Max Verstappen.

© Joan Monfort/AP/dpa/Archive

It's that time again: Formula 1 in Monte Carlo.

One person in particular will want to know this time: title hunter Charles Leclerc.

The local hero is cursed.

Monte Carlo - No time to take a deep breath.

Just a few days after Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen took power in the world championship, he was once again the hunted.

This time in Monte Carlo, the Dutchman's adopted home.

His first challenger is Charles Leclerc, who was born in Monaco and has known every corner since childhood.

So far, that hasn't helped him much.

The two in the Red Bull and Ferrari may have to be prepared 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 champion year 2021 he won for the first time in Monte Carlo, which he now wants to confirm.

But as with his Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc, who has been downgraded to being a pursuer and who has been plagued by bad luck and breakdowns in Monte Carlo and 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 wears out the engine too much.

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: to qualifying.

The one fast lap on Saturday is so decisive for the outcome of the race on Sunday.

Since 1979, when Jody Scheckter won from pole position in the Ferrari, the eventual race winner has only failed to finish in the top three in qualifying three times.

What is always decisive in the race: When does the safety car have to come out with a previous probability of 80 percent?

And how is the weather?

According to forecasts, it could rain on Sunday.

This can cause turbulence.

Will the aero reform 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.

Every gang touch can mean the quick end in Monte Carlo.

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

So far it looks like talks are underway, according to the head of the Monegasque Automobile Club.

It remains to be seen whether these will be brought to an end on the race weekend and a new contract will be announced in a PR-heavy way.

Without changes, for example on the overtaking-hostile course, the former crown jewel in the racing calendar will also have a hard time, especially since Las Vegas could set completely new standards in the future.

dpa