Monaco GP – The most legendary F1 circuit is here!

Monaco is undoubtedly the most atypical meeting on the Formula 1 calendar, but for engineers, the challenge remains the same: adapting the car to ensure optimal performance in the streets of the Principality. It’s a legendary circuit, and getting the best out of the R28 will not be easy. At the start of the weekend, the track will be even more treacherous due to the severe lack of grip, a situation that tends to change as the weekend progresses.

See the circuit and information about Monaco

Ride height

The streets of the Principality may seem quite smooth when driving a touring car, but that’s not the case when driving a single-seater. To be able to handle the different surface variations, it is generally necessary to opt for ride heights that are 5 to 7 mm higher than normal. The streets are also slippery, particularly at the road markings; a factor that drivers will have to keep in mind throughout the 78 laps of this Grand Prix.

Suspensions

To maximize the car’s grip, we use softer suspensions. They especially make it easier for the single-seater to pass over curbs. To allow the wheels to turn independently over bumps, it is also necessary to soften the anti-roll bars. Particular attention is paid to camber. The goal is to provide the driver with a neutral car in which they can have confidence at every point of the circuit.

Aerodynamics

In Monaco, the aerodynamic downforce used is the highest of the season. Contrary to popular belief, the main advantage of this downforce is not to facilitate cornering, which is negotiated here at relatively low speeds where mechanical grip is of primary importance. In fact, this significant downforce allows for increased stability during braking and re-acceleration in order to maximize traction when exiting corners.

Steering angle

The famous hairpin at the Grand Hotel is the tightest corner of the season, alongside the Rascasse. It requires a larger steering angle, nearly twice as much as in Barcelona. A special front suspension is designed specifically for the Monaco track to ensure the necessary steering angle.

Tires

Monaco is not a particularly demanding circuit for tires because it remains a relatively slow track. In this context, Bridgestone will provide teams, as it did last year, with the two softest types in its range: soft and ultra-soft, which should offer better traction when accelerating out of slow corners.

Gearbox

These are very short gearbox ratios used to optimize acceleration and get the best out of the engine even at low speeds. The gearbox must be able to handle 53 gear changes per lap, totaling nearly 4150 changes.

Engine

On paper, Monaco appears to be the least demanding circuit of the season for the engine, with barely 45% of the lap at full throttle. But appearances can be deceiving. The bumpy surface can lead to over-revving when the wheels lift off. The driver will therefore need to be cautious. A flexible engine with notably good acceleration will be crucial in the winding streets of the Principality.

See the circuit and info on Monaco

Based on a press release from Renault F1