Mercedes is afraid of losing the advantage in Monaco

Driving a Formula 1 car between the rails of the Monaco circuit may seem paradoxical. On this atypical track, power and performance are somewhat relegated to make room for the balancing talent of the drivers.

If Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg both proved their worth on the streets of Monaco by winning the race in 2008 and 2013 respectively, the advantage developed by Mercedes since the start of the season could be less significant this weekend. This is at least what Toto Wolff, the team’s executive director, fears: “In the past, on a low-grip circuit like Monaco, we had the opportunity to manage tire wear very well, quite easily. But today, it’s no longer a problem for us.”

Managing tires has always been a problem for Mercedes in recent years. but this season, the team seems to have a better understanding of Pirelli tires, and, combined with a more powerful engine than its rivals, the team has dominated the early part of the season. But in Monaco, the engine is less important and the competition could therefore tighten behind the Silver Arrows: “I think power unit will be less important and Monaco is always different,” Wolff told our colleagues from Autosport before adding: “There is clearly a team that has the advantage today, but in the streets of Monaco, everything can change quickly.”

However, Mercedes remains confident and plans to rely on its victory last year with Nico Rosberg to continue its momentum: « We won here last year. It was the first step in our ascent and we want to succeed again.”

On their side, the team Red Bull thinks they have a chance to finally beat Mercedes in Monaco, as Sebastian Vettel declared last week: « It’s difficult to predict, but maybe in Monaco, we will need a little less engine power. We always need power, but here, maybe a little less than in some places. Maybe there will be some rain, which could help us, so there is always a chance to beat anyone. »