The Monaco GP returns to the calendar following its absence last year. The Coronavirus Pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event, which had taken place uninterruptedly since 1955. The most legendary and one of the most anticipated GPs of the season is thus about to commence in a few hours (May 20-23). 

In line with the season’s already well-established dynamics, Mercedes and Red Bull are expected to come head-to-head for the win once more. The Austrian team will give it all in order to put an end to their rival’s winning streak, despite finding themselves immersed in a controversy over the flexibility of their rear wing. Mercedes has prevailed in the last two races, winning three of the four already disputed this season. 

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One step behind the leading teams is Ferrari, which will be seeking its first podium of the year. The Italian team can count on Charles Leclerc’s good state of form and Carlos Sainz’ perseverance. Behind Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, currently six points apart, are competing for third place in the standings. Both Alpha Tauri – in free fall- and Aston Martin -very far from meeting their expectations-, will attempt to reverse their complex situations. Finally, Alfa Romeo and Williams will be aiming to score their first points of the season. 

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Red Bull: Out to win 

Max Verstappen’s team arrives at the Monaco GP with an imperative need to win. After their strategic mistake in Spain, which thwarted their chances of victory, they need to assert their bid for the crown. Red Bull seems to have lost some of its momentum, regarding both team strategy and mechanical performance.

They need to prevent Mercedes from taking a new victory which would set them even further apart in the standings. Frustrated after his recent defeats against Hamilton, Verstappen complained at the end of the Spanish GP of feeling like he was fighting against the two black arrows on his own.

The statement was clearly intended at putting pressure on his partner Checo Pérez. The Mexican pilot’s courtesy adjustment period is over and his performance will face tough scrutiny next Sunday. The configuration of the circuit could also play to Red Bull’s strengths. The winding and slow route calls for a good chassis, relegating sheer power to the background. 

⏱ A hyperfast time on hypersoft tyres from @Max33Verstappen #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/6Tp4gNoiqS

— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) May 17, 2021

Mercedes: To stretch their lead  

The German team, winners of the last two races, arrive in Monaco with every chance to succeed. Their main asset, Lewis Hamilton, is in a great state of form which has allowed him to repeatedly defeat Max Verstappen over the previous races. Despite having already conquered 100 pole positions and taking 98 victories in his career, the driver from Stevenage is still very much writing his legend. Valtteri Bottas, for his part, is expected to continue playing a secondary role.

McLaren: To defend their midfield leadership 

McLaren and Ferrari will be out to dispute a new chapter in their own particular battle for third place at the Monaco GP. The English team will be defending that coveted position in the standings teeth and nail, a place that they hold by six points (66-60) over the Italians. 

Ferrari: After the third place 

Following their great performance in Spain, the Maranello works arrives at the Monaco GP in great spirits. Charles Leclerc‘s sensational run got him a fourth (and almost a podium) place in Cataluña. Racing in his home country, where he has never scored any F1 points, Leclerc will be fighting for his first podium of 2021. Added to the motivation of competing before his fellow Monegasques, is that of stealing fourth place from Norris, who is currently just one point ahead of him in the standings (41-40). Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz is on course to executing his first good weekend from start to finish. 

Monaco GP: Red Bull Racing.