Formula 1 is all set to return to the well-known streets of Monaco for the game’s most legendary Grand Prix this weekend. The Monaco Grand Prix was cancelled outright final yr due to Covid-19 pandemic and Sunday’s race would be the first avenue race since 2019. However, it’s again this yr with a each day crowd restricted to 7,500 and the grandstand occupancy of 40 p.c.
Among a number of highlights, listed here are 5 issues to look ahead forward of the weekend racing extravaganza:
Monaco: The Principality stays one of the iconic racing venues on this planet and the drivers could be determined to expertise the joys of racing their state-of-the-art F1 automobiles across the streets of Monte Carlo as soon as once more, after 4 races at circuits in 2020. The monitor has at all times been a difficult check for groups making an attempt to qualify, particularly drivers navigating its sharp avenue turns. The blockbuster amongst races can be a spectacle that’s equally recognized for its glitz and glamour related to F1 to the subsequent stage.
Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen rivalry: The two champions have gone wheel-to-wheel in all 4 races this season, with six overtakes between the 2 automobiles. Although Hamilton’s back-to-back wins in Portugal and Spain offers him a 14-point hole over his Dutch counterpart. Whereas, Verstappen has just one (at Imola). But Monaco can be a distinct ball recreation, the place it should all come down to qualifying and the primary nook. However, the duo can be put to the check on the weekend and whoever overtakes across the tight streets could have completed a whole lot of work.
Sergio Perez: The Mexican can be examined to his core and he wants to present his actual potential at Monaco with Red Bull. After struggling at each venues of Portugal and Spain the 31-year-old wasn’t even within the battle alongside the likes of Hamilton, Verstappen and Valtteri. After leads to Spain Red Bull group principal Christian Horner stated they “desperately want” Perez to be in top form and help with their strategic options. Meanwhile, Perez is happy to add to the pressure, saying that his car is capable of challenging for the win in Monaco.
Ferrari and Alpine: Driver woes aside, two teams are also looking for a big opportunity and results at Monaco. While Scuderia Ferrari have a lot of work to do for their qualifying pace after regularly locking out the first position behind Mercedes and Red Bull. However, Charles Leclerc’s fourth finish in Barcelona might be an encouraging sign for the team. Also given the number of medium and low speed corners in Monaco, Ferrari would be particularly competitive there.
Meanwhile, Alpine Racing had contrasting results in two subsequent races where they looked really quick in one lap but struggled to maintain form across a race distance. However, that shouldn’t pose much of a problem in the principality, as getting a good grid position is key.
McLaren and Williams: Ahead of the upcoming race two iconic teams, McLaren and Williams have something special for their fans to look out for. McLaren will be unveiling a classic livery that hasn’t been seen in F1 but has been used in their sportscar history. The team will sport distinctive Gulf colours for the weekend race and the car Comes with an awesome looking design. Additionally, there will also be new overalls, special driver helmets and bespoke team kit among others.
Williams on the other hand will be celebrating a milestone in their racing history. The Monaco GP will be the team’s 750th Grand Prix! Thus, becoming only the third team after Ferrari and McLaren to reach the milestone.
As an immersive initiative the team has invited its fans to find out their race number by using a special calculator on their official website. Fans can find out how many races they have been a Williams fan and will carry the names of 100 lucky winners on the halo of the FW43B (this year’s F1 car) this weekend.
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