Author: Barkha Roy
Following the cancellation of the Imola Grand Prix due to heavy flooding, the Formula 1 circuit is ready to return for the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. The event, known for its historic importance, will begin with practice sessions on May 26, followed by qualifying on May 27 and culminating with the much-anticipated Grand Prix on May 28, promising an exciting spectacle in the Principality.
Part of the Formula One World Championship since its inception in 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix takes place on a 3.337-kilometer track. Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, holds the current lap record of 1 minute and 12.909 seconds, set in 2021. Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most pole positions, with five, and the most wins, with six, in this renowned race.
It’s interesting to note that Monaco was among the original seven venues on the inaugural F1 World Championship calendar. The distance from pole position to the braking point at Turn 1 is approximately 142 meters. In the 2022 edition, there were a total of 21 overtakes during the race. The probability of a safety car being triggered is 71%, while the probability of a virtual safety car is 57%. Teams usually lose around 20 seconds during pit stops.
The weather conditions for the three days should be predominantly sunny, although there is a chance of rain in the late afternoon from the nearby hills. The temperature is expected to be around 24 to 25 degrees Celsius on all three days, with a maximum temperature of 25 to 26 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. The probability of rain over the weekend is around 20%.
Sergio Perez has his sights set on back-to-back wins in Monaco, as he wants to build on his triumph in last year’s race. With impressive wins in Saudi Arabia and Baku already this season, the talented Mexican driver will be determined to secure his third victory of the year. In addition, Pérez will be totally focused on closing the 14-point gap to his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who currently holds first place in the drivers’ championship.
Meanwhile, Verstappen further solidified his dominant position in the championship standings by executing a strategic overtake on Pérez in Miami, securing his third win of the season. Red Bull’s exceptional performance not only boosted Verstappen’s lead, but also allowed the team to significantly increase its advantage over Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship, now 122 points ahead.