It has always been important to put in a good qualifying session in Monaco. The circuit is one of the hardest on the calendar for overtaking, the chance of gaining positions is slim to none. For the first time in Formula 1 history, the top 10 finished the race where they qualified. This had previously only ever been the top six.
We also saw a new race winner of the season. Charles Leclerc suffered and lost many chances of a home race win, which some people call the ‘Monaco curse’. He was finally able to lift the curse and became the first Monagasque to win a Monaco Grand Prix since the start of the F1 world championship.
With a strong finish from both Ferrari drivers (P1 and P3) and McLaren drivers (P2 and P4), Red Bull’s dominance seems to be coming to an end. There are now only 24 points between first and second in the Constructors’ championship. Red Bull should be feeling the pressure. After a challenging win in Imola for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finishing in P8, to a P6 and DNF in Monaco, the reigning champions have a long fight on their hands to keep their P1 place in the championship.
We have also learnt that after a messy start to the race, Esteban Ocon’s position at Alpine is under threat. After an unnecessary incident between him and teammate, Pierre Gasly, Alpine Team Principal, Bruno Famin has said that there will be consequences for his actions. Ocon is rumoured to be benched for the Canadian Grand Prix, while others suggest his time at Alpine may be coming to an end with his contract being up at the end of the season.
McLaren paid tribute to the late Ayrton Senna, the driver who holds the most wins in Monaco, with a special livery and colour scheme for their helmets, race suits, and garage.
The lap one incident involving Perez, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hulkenberg highlights that the dangers of the Monaco Circuit still persist to this day.
We can also say that without the volunteers and marshals at the races, the drivers and sport would not be safe. Despite a long wait, the marshals did an incredible job at making sure Perez, Magnussen, and Hulkenberg were okay. They also recovered the cars, cleared the track, and fixed the barriers.
Written by Chloe.
Featured Image Credit: imengine
The Fastest Sector 