Formula-1. What to expect from the Monaco Grand Prix: Announcement and the Monte Carlo Racing Forecast | Formula 1

Formula-1 continues to please the fans with the next stage of three in a row, which are waiting for us for a break.

Monte Carlo has already accepted pilots at the most prestigious stage in the history of F-1, and possibly all vehicles.

From May 23 to May 23 to 25, a new or another winner of the Grand Prix Monaco will be determined on the streets of the principality. The champion decided to deal with the main intrigues and interests on the eve of the eighth stage of « Queen of Motor Sports ».

Historical reference

The Monaco Grand Prix is ​​one of the most prestigious and famous races in the world, which has become a symbol not only of vehicles, but also of the glamorous life of the Lazurore Coast.

The races here originated in 1929, when at the initiative of Antoni Nogez and under the patronage of Prince Louis II on the streets of Monte Carlo, a car race was held for the first time. It was an attempt to consolidate Monaco on the International Motor Map, and it was successful.

In 1950, when the official formula-1 World Championship was created, the Monaco Grand Prix entered his first calendar. After the break in 1951-1954, since 1955 the stage became a permanent part of the season.

For decades, he has experienced significant transformations, but always retained his uniqueness – the race is not on a specialized highway, but on a temporary city ring, which is laid with narrow and winding streets of Monaco.

The organization of race in such circumstances has always been a challenge. Technical staff set up fences, borders and audiences in advance, actually turning the city into a car dealership. For many years, the route has undergone minor changes, mainly for safety reasons, but its configuration remains almost identical to what was in the 1950s.

Of particular importance of the Monaco Grand Prix is ​​that it is part of the so-called « triple crown of the motor vehicle » together with 24 hours of Le-Man and Indie-500. His winning is considered the pinnacle of any riders. Despite the criticism of the limited opportunities for overtakes and atypical configuration, this race continues to attract the audience with their atmosphere, history and prestige.

The cancellation of the stage in 2020 through the Covid-19 pandemic was the first case since 1955, when the race did not take place, which only emphasized its value in the tradition of Formula-1. Today, the Monaco Grand Prix is ​​not only a competition, but a cultural phenomenon where the history of vehicles, architecture, traditions and secular elite merge.

No wonder the exclusive show of the film about formula-1 with Brad Pitt decided to spend it in Monte Carlo.

Stage Records in Monte Carlo

Among the legendary winners of the Monte Carlo race, one of the best pilots in the history of the Motor Sports-Ayrton Senna, who won the Monaco stage six times. This figure is still record.

Closest to Senna’s numbers is another legend, Graham Gill, known as Mr. Monaco, won five times in the 1960s. Among the modern pilots, Lewis Hamilton (3) and Max Ferstapppen (2) have the most victories.

Maclaren wins among the teams among the teams – 15, followed by Ferrari (11) and Mercedes (8). Interestingly, since 1950, only ten pilots have won the race, starting from standpoint below the third.

Another interesting achievement is that In 2024, Ferrari Charles Lecler’s pilot became the first monegask to win the home Grand Prix, repeating Louis wide since 1931. It was also Ferrari’s first victory in Monaco since 2017.

The configuration of the track

Regarding the configuration of the highway, one can mention the words of the 3-time World Champion of Nelson Pike about the Grand Prix of Monaco:

« Going to Monaco is how to ride a bike in your living room. »

A short track, which has 19 turns and 3.337 kilometers of distance, has 78 circles and a total arrival of 260 km.

The stage in the principality is the only formula-1 calendar, where the total race distance is not 305 km. The fact is that a short track and a slow speed on a circle does not allow to overcome 305 km for the time allocated by the regulations at 2 hours.

Almost the only place where riders conduct overtakes are a start-up line where pilots have the opportunity to use DRS system.

Monaco Grand Prix Favorites and intrigues

The intrigue at the Monte Carlo stage could be much smaller, but FIA and formula-1 decided to diversify the race in Monaco with two mandatory sweat stops.

This is not the first time this season, when the leadership of the Queen of Motor Sports is trying to make the race more interesting. In addition to the already known DRS systems that help the pilots to hold the straight lines, Pirelli began to bring softer rubber stages so that the teams have different strategies.

And here you can add the second! Mandatory sweat at the Monaco Grand Prix.

To whom it will benefit? A good question, given that we have 6 newcomers in the pelton, which significantly increases the likelihood of the accident, and therefore the timely arrival with a new rubber can help win almost any racer in the pelton.

It is unlikely that anyone expects two sweat to add more struggle and overtaking on the track. As for me, the formula-e (electric vehicles) demonstrated that it was needed for the interesting Monaco Grand Prix-smaller in size.

On Saturday and Sunday, Mclarene’s racers will usually be favorites, no one can challenge the fact that the « Papaya » is the best car in the peloton, but we all understand-Max Ferstapppen may surprise, Charles Lecler will try to jump above the heads (Ferrara’s capabilities), and two pivots.

Tires, strategies and weather in Monaco

As we said above, the Pirelli rubber supplier will bring to Monte Carlo The most softened of all possible configurations of rubber – C4, C5, C6.

If last year the most effective strategy was one stop and moving from a copper to hard, then the teams will have to plan two stops at once.

« The presence of two stops should also exclude concern for tire degradation, even if it is very low on this route. This can even lead to the use of soft rubber mixtures, especially for those who make a late second stop, or if the race period of the car is provided in the final stages of the race. »

The weather forecast in Monte does not promise the repetition of legendary rain races in Monaco – cloudy weather and the minimum probability of rain.

The expert’s opinion

On the eve of Monaco Grand Prix, we talked with the Ukrainian rider and pilot of the Williams Academy Alexander Bondarev, who performs in Italian F-4.

The Monaco race is always a special challenge due to the unique configuration of the track. Narrow streets, lack of overtaking and high probability of mistakes make this stage one of the most difficult in the calendar. I expect a tense and strategically saturated race where every detail will have a value.

Regarding a two-step strategy, it can really add intrigue. Monaco is almost impossible on the route, so teams will look for any opportunities for promotion through tactical solutions.

Two pits open more options for playing strategies-for example, the use of different types of tires or attempts to ahead of opponents at the expense of a faster sweat. This can make the race less predictable and more exciting for fans.

Alexander Bondarev after the first stage of the Italian F-4 The 10th place was located in the general standings of the championship and in 4 positions in the standings of newcomers.

Champion forecast

We very much hope that two sweat-stops, possible accidents with safety machines and variability of strategies will surprise the fans of formula-1 and give a new winner this season.

Let’s put on the sensational victory of Ferrari and local rider Charles Lecler, who for many years demonstrates a great speed at home.

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Friday, May 23

14:30 – 15:30. The first practice
18:00 – 19:00. The second practice

Saturday, May 24

13:30 – 14:30. Third practice
17:00 – 18:00. Qualification

Sunday, May 25

16:00. Race

Where to look

The direct broadcast of the qualification and directly the Monaco Grand Prix racing in Ukraine will be shown by Setanta Sports Ukraine+ and OTT platform Setanta Sports.