The Monaco Grand Prix, often considered the crown jewel and most celebrated event on the Formula 1 calendar, continues the European triple-header.
Max Verstappen`s recent victory in Imola has intensified the championship battle, moving him to within just 22 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri. Lando Norris also closed the gap, now trailing his McLaren teammate by 13 points. Notably, Piastri finished second to Charles Leclerc in last year`s Monaco race.
Leclerc claimed his first home win in Monaco 12 months ago. Ferrari may need an exceptional performance to challenge at the very front this year. For Mercedes, the previous race in Italy was challenging; George Russell recorded his worst result of the season in seventh, and Kimi Antonelli retired, despite Lewis Hamilton finishing just off the podium.
A significant alteration for this year`s Monaco Grand Prix is the introduction of a mandatory two-stop strategy for all cars during Sunday`s race. This change is intended to add more excitement to an event traditionally known for its limited overtaking opportunities and predictable strategy.
This mandatory pit stop could dramatically alter the race`s dynamics, making the timing of stops critical and potentially bringing an element of chance into play.
Monaco GP Circuit
Monaco is one of just four current F1 events that featured in the original 1950 championship season. It has been a constant presence on the schedule for the past 70 years, with the sole exception being its cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At just two miles in length, it is the shortest circuit on the calendar. Overtaking is notoriously difficult on the tight, winding streets. Famous sections like Sainte Devote, Casino Square, the hairpin, the tunnel, Tabac corner, the Swimming Pool chicane, and La Rascasse are some of the iconic features of this unique track.
Given the difficulty in passing, qualifying is absolutely crucial here and is often a highlight of the season as drivers push right to the limits, frequently grazing the barriers, in pursuit of a faster lap time.
Monaco GP Weather
The forecast for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend indicates cooler conditions, with temperatures expected to be around 18°C to 20°C throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
There is a 50% chance of rain predicted for Saturday`s qualifying session. However, Sunday`s race day is currently expected to be dry and sunny.
Monaco GP Schedule and UK Start Times
Thursday, May 22
12:05pm: F3 Practice
1:55pm: F2 Practice
3:00pm: F1 Drivers` Press Conference
Friday, May 23
10:00am: F3 Qualifying
12:00pm: Monaco GP Practice One
2:05pm: F2 Qualifying
3:00pm: F1 Team Bosses` Press Conference
3:45pm: Monaco GP Practice Two
5:15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday, May 24
9:40am: F3 Sprint
11:15am: Monaco GP Practice Three
1:10pm: F2 Sprint
2:10pm: Monaco GP Qualifying build-up
3:00pm: MONACO GP QUALIFYING
5:00pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, May 25
6:55am: F3 Feature Race
8:35am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Monaco GP build-up
2:00pm: The MONACO GRAND PRIX
4:00pm: Chequered Flag: Monaco GP reaction
5:00pm: Ted`s Notebook
5:30pm: The Indy 500
