A hairpin descent. Walls close enough to kiss. A dark tunnel that ejects drivers into a burst of blinding sunlight.
The famous Circuit de Monaco, which first hosted a grand prix race in 1950, is one of the most iconic stops on the Formula 1 calendar. But the bling and boats hide an open secret: it’s an incredibly narrow loop. , where it’s incredibly difficult to pass and incredibly easy to find trouble.
Ask Sergio Pérez, who will start last on Sunday after falling down the rating. Just ask Lewis Hamilton, who saw his car lifted out of the circuit by a crane after his own accident on Saturday. Or just ask Fernando Alonso, who qualified second but must now find a way to overtake Max Verstappen if he wants to taste victory. That is not as easy as it seems. On Sunday, it can be more difficult than ever.
how to watch
Time: The Monaco Grand Prix starts at 3 pm in Monte Carlo, which is 9 am Eastern time. (Global start times are here.)
TELEVISION: The race will be broadcast on ABC in the United States. Coverage begins at 7:30 am ET. Not in America? A complete list of Formula 1 stations, wherever you are, It can be found here.
Sunday starting grid
That’s Verstappen and Alonso on the front row, which shouldn’t be surprising. And that’s Esteban Ocon’s Alpine right behind them, which should come as a gigantic surprise.
Ferrari, starting fourth and sixth, and Mercedes, fifth and eighth, will try to salvage what they can on the tight Monaco course. Sergio Perez can have a long day looking at the back of other cars.
Sunday Story Lines
Can anyone catch Verstappen? You may have read this before. But with Perez starting last, a win for Verstappen could open up the points race.
Changes in Mercedes. The much-discussed and mostly agonizing (if you’re Hamilton or George Russell) wait for a Mercedes redesign has finally arrived. The biggest change the team unveiled this week will be bigger pontoonsbut there are smaller here and there. Let a scientist or engineer explain the aerodynamics of it all. Or just give him an eye test.
last time out
There was no start last week after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was canceled amid heavy rain and deadly flooding in northern Italy. That makes three weeks since Max Verstappen’s victory in Miami.
Drivers’ Championship Ranking
After five starts, Red Bull’s only race remains against itself: