The 2024 F1 Monaco Grand Prix possibly comes at the most important junction of the season. The last two races have seen Max Verstappen and Red Bull pushed instead of their usual dominance. In Miami, Red Bull lost to Lando Norris and McLaren, while in Imola, the team was able to fend off the challenges. Using the last two races as evidence, we can claim that Ferrari and McLaren have closed the gap to Red Bull, finishing within touching distance of the RB20 at Imola. But two races are too small a sample space, and we need more events and different tracks before we take a call. This is precisely why the F1 Monaco GP is not only the usual special event but a race where we could get an even better idea of whether the gap to the front has truly shrunk.
Key Storylines in F1 Monaco GP
- The Pecking Order: The thing that’s going to catch the eye of most people is the pecking order. What can Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren do around Monaco, and who is going to be a challenge? Monaco can be a freak circuit in terms of drivers sometimes finding something that just elevates them to the next level. We saw it last season with Esteban Ocon, who got a podium, and the same could happen this season. A momentary special lap could decide the F1 Monaco GP, and there are possibly 5 different drivers who could do it this weekend.
- Sergio Perez’s Future: Sergio Perez did not do his future any favors with the weekend he put together in Imola as a former winner at the F1 Imola GP. The upcoming race is important for the Mexican who has been reportedly offered another one-year extension by the team.
- What’s Going on at Aston Martin?: Fernando Alonso crashing the car is something that we just don’t see often. The Spaniard was completely out of sorts during the race weekend, and it became all too evident that he didn’t have the grips of the new upgrade. The unfortunate reality is that the upgrades have seemingly failed. The team is in a precarious situation now, and the honeymoon period is over. It remains to be seen what they do next because that could define the team’s immediate future.
Form Guide in F1 Monaco GP
- In Form: We have to give this one to Lando Norris because he has been doing some very impressive work in McLaren. The last three races have had the same drivers in the top two positions but in different orders. The fact that Lando Norris is one of those two should tell you everything there is to know about where his confidence is at the moment.
- Out of Form: After the weekend in Miami, there was hope that Daniel Ricciardo might just have found himself with RB. The sprint was spectacular, and even though he had a little bit of an issue in the main race, the sprint showed everyone that Daniel had that potential.
Preview and Prediction in F1 Monaco GP
#5 Oscar Piastri is Going to Have a Good Weekend
Oscar Piastri, driving for McLaren, has often found himself overshadowed by his teammate Lando Norris, who has been consistently grabbing the spotlight and the trophies. However, Piastri’s performance has shown promise, despite some bouts of bad luck in recent races. The F1 Monaco GP presents an excellent opportunity for Piastri to shine. Known for its technical and challenging nature, the Monaco circuit can be a place where talent and precision make a significant difference.
Piastri has demonstrated impressive pace in qualifying sessions, and the F1 Monaco GP could be the venue where he translates this speed into a strong race result. Given McLaren’s recent form and the car’s competitiveness, a podium finish for Piastri is certainly within the realm of possibility. His ability to navigate the narrow streets of Monaco and capitalize on any opportunities could see him emerge as one of the standout performers of the weekend.
#4 Mercedes Drivers Could Play Spoilsport
The F1 Monaco GP often boils down to a driver’s confidence and comfort with their car. Mercedes, although a step behind the top three teams in terms of outright pace, looked strong in Imola. Both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have the potential to disrupt the expected order at Monaco. The unique demands of the Monaco circuit, with its emphasis on driver skill over sheer speed, could play into Mercedes’ hands.
Hamilton, with his vast experience and six Monaco victories, knows how to extract the maximum from his car in tricky conditions. Similarly, Russell’s ability to deliver strong performances under pressure could see him challenge the frontrunners. If either Mercedes driver finds a good balance and feels confident in their car, they could well secure a top-five finish, complicating the battle between Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren.
#3 Alpine and Haas are Dark Horses This Weekend
Alpine and Haas, with their talented driver line-ups, should not be overlooked for the F1 Monaco GP. Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg, in particular, have shown they can deliver strong results when the conditions suit them. Ocon’s podium in last year’s Monaco GP is a testament to his capability on this circuit. Similarly, Hulkenberg’s experience and consistency could make him a formidable competitor.
Both Alpine and Haas have cars that perform well in slow-speed sections, which is crucial at Monaco. The track’s emphasis on driver skill means that even a slight edge in handling can translate into a significant advantage. Expect both teams to be in the mix, potentially causing upsets and breaking into the top positions if they can make the most of their qualifying sessions and strategy during the race.
#2 The Battle for the Win Could Be Decided on Saturday
In Monaco, securing pole position is often more than half the battle won. The narrow, twisty streets make overtaking extremely difficult, meaning the driver starting at the front has a significant advantage. This year’s F1 Monaco GP will feature an intense qualifying session, with Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull drivers vying for pole.
Last season, we saw Esteban Ocon pull off a stunning qualifying lap to secure a surprise pole. This year, the battle for the top spot is expected to be just as fierce. With the likes of Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris all capable of delivering exceptional laps, the fight for pole could be the highlight of the weekend. Whoever manages to set the fastest lap on Saturday will have a golden opportunity to control the race and potentially take the victory.
#1 Charles Leclerc Wins the F1 Monaco GP
Our boldest prediction for the F1 Monaco GP is that Charles Leclerc will finally break his home race curse and secure victory. The Monegasque driver has often been plagued by misfortune at his home Grand Prix, but this year, things could be different. Leclerc has shown incredible pace throughout the season, and Ferrari’s car, while perhaps slightly behind McLaren and Red Bull, is still highly competitive.
Leclerc’s familiarity with the Monaco circuit and his determination to win in front of his home crowd could give him the extra edge needed. A special qualifying lap to secure pole position, combined with a flawless race performance, could see Leclerc achieve his dream of winning the F1 Monaco GP. If luck is on his side and Ferrari’s strategy plays out well, the streets of Monte Carlo might witness a historic victory for their hometown hero.
Odds and Picks
- Max Verstappen: The favorite, with odds at -125.
- Charles Leclerc: A strong contender at +400.
- Lando Norris: Worth considering at +550.
- Oscar Piastri: An outsider with odds at +1000.
- Sergio Perez: Riskier, but could surprise at +1400
Conclusion
The 2024 F1 Monaco GP promises to be a spectacular event, filled with drama, excitement, and potentially some unexpected twists. With Lando Norris and McLaren emerging as strong contenders, the battle at the front is set to be fierce. Our bold predictions highlight the potential for standout performances from Oscar Piastri, the disruptive capabilities of the Mercedes drivers, and the dark horse potential of Alpine and Haas. However, the critical fight for pole position on Saturday could very well determine the race winner, and we believe Charles Leclerc has the best chance to finally triumph on his home turf. As the F1 Monaco GP weekend unfolds, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see which predictions come true and who will emerge victorious on the legendary streets of Monte Carlo.
