Monaco Grand Prix: the presentation of an extraordinary circuit

For the 3rd consecutive year, Formula 1 is heading to the Principality of Monaco. The urban circuit is 3.337km long and consists of 19 corners. Currently, it is the slowest track on the calendar, with an average speed of 150km/h. Monaco is a unique Grand Prix, loved as much as it is feared by the drivers. The reason is simple, mistakes are often fatal. In Monaco, there is only one DRS zone available on the circuit, which is on the straight just before the Sainte Devote corner.

Inaugurated in 1929, the circuit has always maintained its original shape and has undergone only minor modifications since the first Grand Prix was held there in 1950, during the first Formula 1 World Championship. Among these, the introduction of the pits, the modification of certain corners, and most notably, the construction of the tunnel at turn 9 in 1973.

One of the peculiarities of the circuit is its low number of overtakes on track. The narrowness of the track surrounded by rails demands maximum concentration from the drivers and makes any contact very penalizing. In other words, overtaking is almost impossible in Monaco. This makes the qualifying sessions the most important and spectacular to watch.

68 races have taken place in Monaco and the most victorious driver in the Principality is Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian legend was the first to cross the checkered flag each time between 1987 and 1993, with the sole exception of 1988, where he retired on the 66th lap while leading.

The Pirelli Tire Type

On Pirelli’s side, the Italian manufacturer is bringing its softest tires for this weekend, namely the C3 for hard, C4 for medium, and C5 for soft compounds. According to Pirelli’s strategic report, the track’s grip is very low and the wear is limited. The softer compounds offer a good level of grip concerning traction, but mechanical grip is limited.

« All types of tires brought to Monaco were used in the variable weather conditions of last year’s Grand Prix: blue tires for heavy rain, green intermediate tires, and the three compounds C3, C4, and C5. On a dry track, the race almost always ends with a pit stop for everyone, but last year most drivers stopped three times. The new blue tires for heavy rain, which do not need covers, were supposed to make their debut in Imola, but now they could be used in Monaco, as well as throughout the rest of the season.»

Tyre info for the #MonacoGP 🇲🇨

🐌 The slowest track on the calendar
🚗 Open track during evenings makes rubber build-up difficult
🔵 A belated debut for the new Cinturato Blue full wet possible#Fit4F1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/xlbxaq2WMd

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) May 22, 2023

First victory for a team other than Red Bull?

Currently, the season is dominated by Red Bull, however the advantage of the Austrian team lies in its top speed, especially with the DRS open. This may be one of the few races where Red Bull’s overtaking advantage may not prevail over the competition. This could provide opportunities for Aston Martin or Ferrari, two teams that are efficient in slow corners.

In Monaco, it is often the qualifying session that determines the winner, but not only that… Out of the last 22 races held in the Principality, only 12 times has the Saturday pole sitter managed to convert pole position into victory, resulting in a conversion rate of 55%.

Last year, it was pole sitter Charles Leclerc who saw the victory slip away due to a risky strategy from the Scuderia. After 4 participations, the Monegasque driver still hasn’t stepped on the podium, and he has only crossed the finish line once.