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Formula One has arrived at its jewel in the crown race at Monaco this weekend, in mourning over the loss of three-time world champion and legend of the sport in Niki Lauda. Join The Roar for live coverage from 11pm (AEST).
A former winner of the Monaco Grand Prix on two occasions, Lauda’s loss has been seismic in the paddock and all the teams and drivers have moved to pay tribute to the Austrian. None more so than Mercedes AMG, with whom he was non-executive chairman.
Bearing the signature of the ex-Ferrari and McLaren driver and special red halos, reminiscent of Lauda’s famous red cap, the Silver Arrows are targeting an unprecedented sixth one-two finish of the season.
The 3.3km street circuit is an unforgiving challenge and the race is often determined by the results of qualifying, given that overtaking is nigh impossible across the 78 laps.
Strategically also, there are very little options for drivers to gain advantages as it will likely be a one-stop race. Though a race in Monaco can be lost in a pit-stop; just ask Daniel Ricciardo in 2017.
Lewis Hamilton lines up for his 85th career pole around the streets of the Principality, with his teammate Valtteri Bottas completing another Mercedes AMG front-row lockout.
Max Verstappen then validated the speed of the Red Bull ahead of the Ferrari, by qualifying third fastest ahead of Sebastian Vettel – whilst home favourite Charles Leclerc was eliminated down in sixteenth.
Whilst at the front of the field overtaking may be scarce, in the midfield there is more chance for attrition which ultimately is the cause for multiple incidents and Safety Cars.
It’s Kevin Magnussen that leads the best of the rest on the grid, ahead of reigning Monaco winner Daniel Ricciardo in the Renault, who could be poised for a top ten finish.
Surprise results are not uncommon in Monaco, so all it takes for drivers in that mid-to-back of the field pack is to keep their heads clear and avoid incident. The late Jules Bianchi was famous for his ninth-place finish in 2014, for the now-defunct Manor-Marussia team who hadn’t scored points at that stage.
But as far as the race for the win is concerned, only the elements could potentially change the current order.
What will this year’s edition of Formula One’s famous race provide then? Tune in from 10:40pm (AEST )for live blog coverage and updates of what could be another memorable Monaco Grand Prix.
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