The Monaco Grand Prix makes its return in the Formula 1 calendar after being cancelled last season, and it is expected to be a great one as always.
The Monte Carlo track is the world’s most famous street circuit known for its tight lanes, which means that our drivers have their work cut out for them and they’ll fight tooth and nail for positions in this weekend’s race.
Ferrari, who have been flying under the radar so far this season, recently made headlines as they surprised everyone with a couple of outstanding practice sessions.
Meanwhile, top dogs Mercedes and Red Bull have been underwhelming by their lofty standards this past week and both are looking to bounce back big time in the qualifying.
The Scuderia aren’t exactly favoured to win here in our latest Monaco Grand Prix 2021 odds. But their showing in FP2, in particular, should serve as a warning for the rest of the competition.
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Charles Leclerc aim to make huge statement in his hometown
The Prancing Horse were on the front page of the Monaco Grand Prix 2021 news after a solid FP2, as Charles Leclerc headed up a 1-2 finish alongside teammate Carlos Sainz Jr.
Not only did the said event marked Ferrari’s first 1-2 in any race weekend session since the second practice of the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2019, it also spoiled the expected dominance of Red Bull and Mercedes.
Even Leclerc himself couldn’t believe it when he finished first, mentioning that the pace of their car in Monaco was “too good to be true”. Meanwhile, his teammate in Sainz Jr. believes that this a huge step for them to being genuine threats for the top places.
Leclerc’s FP1 outing was cut short due to a gearbox issue. However, he bounced back by topping the times in the second session, making him one of the favourites to grab pole position before the actual race.
Ferrari are hopeful that they can build more momentum in Monaco since it will help them narrow their deficit against third-placed McLaren in the constructors’ standings.
Lando Norris is enjoying Monaco, but not so much for Daniel Ricciardo
Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo’s week couldn’t be any different from each other.
Norris just signed a multi-year extension with McLaren and he repaid their faith by doing decent in practice. But on the other hand, Daniel Ricciardo is going to be desperate for rhythm after doing poorly.
Ricciardo’s affinity for Monaco is well-documented given that he got his first-ever F1 pole there back in 2016 for Red Bull. However, he is left languishing at the bottom of the grid as he finished at P15 in both practice sessions.
It got so ugly for the Aussie to the point that he flipped the bird at Sebastian Vettel and cursed at Charles Leclerc, as both counterparts prevented Ricciardo from improving his time in FP2.
With Norris doing well in stark contrast, if definitely adds more pressure to Ricciardo’s psyche.
Moreover, Norris and Ricciardo need to brush off their earlier performances as they look to widen McLaren’s gap in the constructors’ standings.
McLaren only lead by five points ahead of Ferrari, making this weekend’s race a pivotal point for both teams.
History
The Monaco Grand Prix has been a staple in the Formula 1 calendar for over 66 years. However, it was cancelled last season due to logistical and scheduling concerns.
Furthermore, Monaco was the personal playground of the late Ayrton Senna, since he is the all-time winner with six victories.
Lewis Hamilton was the last winner of the Monaco Grand Prix. Overall, the Mercedes driver has three wins there.
Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are the other two active drivers who have won in Monaco, with the former winning it in 2006 and 2007 and the latter winning it in 2011 and 2017.
McLaren are the most successful side in the Monte Carlo track with 15 wins, while Ferrari are second with 10 and Mercedes are third with eight.
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