Monaco Grand Prix
It’s hard not to love the Formula 1. The glamour, the speedy-looking vehicles, the insatiable racing that leaves crowds breathless has been thrilling crowds all over the world year in and year out. Now, they take the racing to one of the most beautiful tracks on the F1 calendar.
Monaco has always been a favourite among fans that frequent the best betting sites for motorsport betting. It’s a narrow track that has the right amount of speedy sections and opportunities for takeovers. This year, it will host another interesting title race between Mercedes and Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton is once again tipped to win in this highly technical track, but not everyone is convinced that the Briton will be able to win it all again without any hitches. Sebastian Vettel will be looking to defend his Monaco crown and gain on Hamilton’s growing lead in the Drivers Championship.
There is also a lot to play for in the grid, but the battle between these two giants will command the attention of many neutrals and online bookies.
You should better buckle up, because we’re going on a wild ride through the beautiful Monaco coastline!
Talking Points
Ferrari are in the eye of the storm when it comes to speculations ahead of the race, both for good and bad reasons.
There isn’t much separating the Italian team from current leaders Mercedes when it comes to points, and fantastic results here would help them get back on the conversation. With Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen driving fantastically race after race, the Stallion have a shot to grab the pole and hoist the trophy at the race’s end.
However, Ferrari are also currently being hit with negative press. Rivals believe that some of the team’s successes this season are due to an illegal power boost system to their cars. Mercedes and Red Bull have already spoken out about the possibility of Ferrari tweaking the system to their advantage.
The FIA have already ordered Ferrari to install additional computer hardware to prevent the team from illegally using the Energy Recovery System. Eyes will be hot on Maurizio Arrivabene’s boys by the time their cars are on the pit.
I suppose it is understandable as to why Ferrari would even go to such lengths after their German rivals have one-upped them in Spain and Azerbaijan. Hamilton has won Monaco three times in his career, the latest being the 2016 race. He will be eager to add to his tally (and season lead) with another victory here.
Fernando Alonso is the last driver in the grid to have won this race multiple times. While he may have fallen off a bit in the standings, the track offers plenty of opportunities for the experienced Spaniard to overtake and surprise the Monaco crowd.
Red Bull are steadying their progress and will look at Monaco to jumpstart their chase at the two giants. Max Verstappen and Daniel Riccardo are hungry for victory, and their recent practice sessions give fans a lot of hope.
Of course, not all eyes are on the big dogs at the top. The crowd will most likely have their eyes fixed at Sauber as local boy Charles Leclerc will be racing his first home grand prix. The 20-year-old Formula 2 winner has impressed fans and fellow drivers in his debut season, and this race will be something special for him. After all, his family’s apartment was situated by the pit straight.
History
The Circuit de Monaco favours the brave, as sections like Turn 6 and Turns 10-11 can easily scare the weak-willed drivers. There are several drivers in the grid who have proven themselves time and time again with wins in this picturesque track.
Sebastian Vettel is obviously a heavy favourite to win the race. He won last year’s race as well as the 2011 Grand Prix for Red Bull. His aggressive driving will definitely shine in Monaco’s very narrow tracks.
Lewis Hamilton has also won this race twice. His first victory here was during his early days with McLaren, and it took him eight years before winning his second one. I don’t think he is willing to wait that long for his third Monaco title.
Fernando Alonso hasn’t won in Monaco since 2007, but he has always proven himself to be a competitor. With McLaren somewhat competing with the big boys, the Spaniard has a shot at adding to his title.
Neither Verstappen and Ricciardo haven’t won in Monaco, but their recent practice results offer encouraging signs. Ricciardo finished third in last year’s race, and he will want to improve on his record.
What are the odds?
Online bookmakers give this race very interesting betting odds.
Thanks to an impressive run in practice, both Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen receive 3.00 outright odds. However, their starting grid positions will greatly affect their chances of actually winning the race.
Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are slapped with 5.00 outright odds, giving fans very interesting punts. They will likely be the ones fighting for first, making their odds look very attractive.
Kimi Raikkonen (11.00) isn’t counted as a favourite to win the race, but his current performances make him a viable punt to make. The same thing goes for Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas (16.00).
If you feel a bit sentimental and want to cheer on the underdog, Fernando Alonso (151.00) and Charles Leclerc (1001.00) are worth your punts.
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