The 2024 F1 season has reached its third stage with the eighth round of the year,
one of the most important being the Monaco Grand Prix, taking place this weekend in
the Principality.
As is often the case in Monaco, Saturday is the key day with qualifying sessions that
will establish a crucial starting grid. Similar to Imola, overtaking will be extremely
challenging, especially due to tire performance degradation.
Pirelli will provide the softest compounds, including the C5, C4, and C3. This is a
customary choice for Monaco due to its slow pace and non-abrasive asphalt.
“Grand Prix”: The Track
“It’s like trying to ride a bicycle in your living room.” This quote attributed to Nelson
Piquet encapsulates the immense challenge of Monaco. The circuit rewards
confidence and precision while penalizing any mistake or loss of concentration.
Spanning 3,337 meters, Monaco boasts the shortest track on the calendar, featuring
19 turns with characteristic bumps, cambers, and iconic street circuit features.
Turn 1 – Very tight with limited runoff, Sainte Dévote has seen numerous incidents
over the years. Drivers must tread carefully while avoiding the formidable outer wall.
Bumps and braking increase the risk of front lock-ups.
Turn 4 – Between Casino (T4) and Mirabeau (T5), the bumpy track demands
trajectory adjustments and a right hook to avoid bottoming out on the descent
towards Mirabeau.
Turn 9 – Negotiated at full throttle, the tunnel is the fastest section of the circuit. The
transition from natural to artificial light requires split-second adaptation before braking
into the chicane.
Turn 10 – Exiting the tunnel into the chicane offers ample “brake-to-pass”
opportunities. It’s a prime chance to pressure opponents but also a point of potential
error.
Turn 14 – The entry to this high-speed section forms a chicane where using the curbs
effectively can gain milliseconds.
Turn 17 – Rascasse, named after the adjacent restaurant, marks the second slowest
section of the circuit. Cars hug the inside rail closely. Precise braking and steering
are crucial to maintain traction through Antony Noghès and to the end of the lap.
Turn 19 – The pit straight. With few overtaking opportunities, a strong exit from the
final turn (Antony Noghès) is crucial before crossing the line. Achieving this relies on
precise traction and engine torque management.
“Grand Prix”: Contenders
After two fiercely contested races, it’s challenging to pinpoint Max Verstappen as the
clear favorite for the Monaco Grand Prix. Last year, he secured pole position but was
less than a tenth of a second ahead of three other drivers.
In the race, he clinched victory amid tumultuous conditions. However, with McLaren
and Ferrari currently running within a tenth of each other in qualifying and race pace,
pole position will be more critical than ever to secure another win.
Behind these three teams, Mercedes is expected to be the fourth force, despite Aston
Martin preparing for Monaco with race simulations at Imola. As always, the midfield
battle will be tightly contested on a very short circuit, leading to minimal time
differences.
“Grand Prix”: Monaco Grand Prix Schedule
The Monaco Grand Prix has seen a change in its schedule over the past two years,
with the return of traditional European timings.
- Friday, May 24th
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Free Practice 1
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Free Practice 2 - Saturday, May 25th
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Free Practice 3
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Qualifying - Sunday, May 26th
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Race