Hamilton Verstappen qualifying fireworks? - What to expect at the Monaco GP

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Hamilton Verstappen qualifying fireworks? - What to expect at the Monaco GP

Monaco returns to the calendar after a one-year absence

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 19 May 2021 12:44

A special season returns to the most extraordinary F1 event this weekend as the battle between Mercedes and Red Bull continues.

Monaco is back at a crucial point of the year. Lewis Hamilton holds a 14-point gap over Max Verstappen whilst Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have a lot of catching up to do if they want to feature.

The midfield is still a free-for-all as teams try to establish themselves as the best of the rest, although McLaren and Ferrari look to have the advantage over Alpine, AlphaTauri and Aston Martin.

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Anything can happen in Monaco, so here are five things to expect on the streets of the Principality.

Qualifying fireworks

It goes without saying the tight and twisty nature of Monte Carlo ensures Saturday's qualifying session is the most important of the season.

Red Bull has historically gone well here which will provide an extra confidence boost for Verstappen but naturally, Hamilton can never be discounted.

This is one circuit where drivers can really make a difference through ability and bravery given the closeness of the barriers.

Do not be surprised to see Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris battling with the Mercedes or Red Bull drivers. If there is going to be a shock pole, it will come from one of those two.

Strategic masterclass needed again

In Bahrain, Mercedes bravely kept Hamilton out on worn tyres and managed to just fend off Verstappen at the end.

Last time out in Spain, the world champions switched tactics, pulling Hamilton into the pits for an extra stop that allowed him to hunt down the Dutchman to take the victory.

Whoever is second after the first run into Sainte Devote may need to pull off something similar. An undercut will work if space can be found around a lap that takes a little over 70 seconds to complete.

Being Monaco, a safety car is never too far away. Track position at the time of deployment could be critical as a free stop could swing the tide of the race. On the flipside, Mercedes knows all too well how this can go wrong.

Hamilton was leading the 2015 event when the safety car was called in the closing stages. Mercedes pitted him for fresh tyres but the British driver rejoined in third behind team-mate Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel.

This could be another battle of the wits on the pit wall.

Experience should come good

It has been two years since F1 last visited the Principality after Covid-19 struck the race off the calendar last season.

With the probability of experience counting for slightly more than usual, drivers who have struggled for ultimate pace, like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, could show glimpses of their best.

Vettel is driving a difficult Aston Martin that looks unhappy everywhere but Alonso's Alpine team has started to look promising, especially at the hands of Esteban Ocon.

Despite their troubles, let us hope both world champions have something up their sleeves to navigate the Principality's streets and find performance.

If there's an overtake, it will be special!

There is one overtaking opportunity in Monaco if you are lucky - Sainte Devote, turn one with the help of DRS.

Even that is tricky as with such a short braking zone, drivers will have to be incredibly close out of Anthony Noghes to get the move done before braking.

If you are really feeling lucky you can try and get through at the Nouvelle Chicane out of the tunnel but again, you have to be very daring.

If you are Leclerc and the year is 2019, you will stick a nose up the inside at La Rascasse. In fairness, the move did work once but the second time the Ferrari made contact with the inside barrier and was forced into retirement.

If there is any overtaking on Sunday, chances are you will be out of your seat.

Track limits? What track limits?

Expect respite from the constant drone of F1's track limits debate this weekend. There is no need for white lines or special kerbs to deter drivers in Monaco, just good old-fashioned barriers.

The two corners where you can avoid contact if you run wide are a slam dunk chicane cut at either the Nouvelle Chicane or the exit of the Swimming Pool.

Sit back, relax, watch some racing and take comfort knowing outcomes of qualifying or the race will not be determined by exactly where four tyres are in relation to a painted line.