Formula One returns to the jewel in its calendar this weekend, with Monaco the venue.
After the race in Imola was cancelled last week due to torrential rain, teams and fans alike will be itching to get back into the action as Round Seven gets underway.
With just 3.3km of track to play with, and very little chance to show off straight-line speed, high downforce will be a must. The high number of corners requires maximum concentration from the drivers, with the barriers taking no prisoners. The weather forecast doesn’t suggest boredom either, with a high chance of rain during Sunday’s proceedings.
After winning every race this season and the last two races in the principality, Red Bull go into the weekend as the firm favourites. Mexican driver Sérgio Perez was the victor last season, beating pole-sitter and home hero Charles Leclerc following a strategy blunder at Ferrari. However, teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and the newly upgraded Mercedes will be looking to put up a fight in the battle for wins.
Following the news that Aston Martin will be collaborating with Honda for their engines from 2026, the Silverstone-based team will be keen to keep building on the success that has begun this season.
In terms of the eight-time Constructors Champions, they have bought very noticeable upgrades, specifically to the sidepod area of the car, which sees drastic change. After not succeeding with the ‘no-pod’ philosophy, the team have followed Ferrari and Red Bull’s steps and bulked out their machinery in the hope of winning again. After rumours spread that Lewis Hamilton may be joining Ferrari, team principal Fred Vasseur has assured fans they haven’t offered any contracts to anybody.
With the risk being so high in Monaco, it gives every team the opportunity to score points and open up the championship standings. It is sure to be a thrilling weekend.