Verstappen wins Monaco for the first time in his career, Bottas has issues with stuck wheels in the pitlane, and McLaren and Ferrari are back on the podium. The race was exhilarating to say the least!
Verstappen Wins Monaco, and Leads Championship for First Time
After a year’s hiatus at Monaco, we are back, and the track didn’t fail to amaze. Verstappen won, keeping Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari at bay. Max initially had a rocky start, but managed to stay ahead of Bottas’ Mercedes. For quite some time, Bottas was also still within DRS range on Verstappen in the opening stages of the race, until he started falling behind and ultimately pitted.
The pitstop, however, did not go as planned. The right front wheel did not budge whatsoever, and the mechanics were unable to take it off. This resulted in Bottas having to accept defeat.
Mercedes Pit Woes
While the silver arrows have a history of great on-track performance and have been dominating much of the hybrid era thus far, Red Bull still have one major factor over them; pit performance.
This could be, however, a game changer for Red Bull. This particular race and issue during the pitstop has most likely cost Mercedes a podium finish, in what will most likely be a fight for points until the very end between both constructors and drivers.
Red Bull currently hold the world record for a pitstop; 1.82 seconds, and are currently first in the DHL Fastest Pit Stop rankings. Last year, they won the award; Williams was second, while Mercedes came third.
Ferrari’s Ups & Downs
While many expected the prancing horses to have a comeback season this year, the red Ferrari’s are almost a surprise so far up the grid after a rocky 2019 and 2020 season. Carlos Sainz was able to keep his second position throughout the race, giving Ferrari their first podium finish this season.
Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, was not as lucky; his race finished before it even started. After yesterday’s qualifying crash, Leclerc’s car was not ready for the race. Reportedly an issue with the gearbox and/or driveshaft, Charles’ car was not on the grid for the start of the race.
The native Monacan was seemingly upset about the situation, but still tried to keep his spirits up for Sainz while he was on the podium. Even since F2 Leclerc hasn’t had much luck with his finishes, or rather lack thereof, at Monaco. This year unfortunately wasn’t any different.
McLaren Comeback
It seems like the Gulf livery (which, may we say, looks absolutely stunning) wasn’t the only thing that came back this season; McLaren’s performance seems to have increased dramatically this year, perhaps due to the change to a Mercedes engine.
Nonetheless, Lando Norris, who had to keep his cool while Perez was hot on his heels in the last stages of the race, finished 3rd. Equaling his best finish for the second time this season, and placing him 3rd in the driver’s standings.
Ricciardo, unfortunately, didn’t have such a good time with the team, as was stuck behind backmarkers without a way past, and ended 12th overall. The Australian unfortunately hasn’t had much luck this year with getting to grips with the MCL35M, and has been dominated by his teammate for the most part of the season.
Lando’s great result will more than justify his multi-year contract extension earlier this week.
Aston Martin & Vettel – The End of the Beginning?
Since joining Aston Martin this season, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel didn’t feel confident in his car enough, and his lap times reflected that. Monaco, however, seems like a potential turning point.
Vettel finished in P5, his best finish by far this season. Aston Martin, however, has commented and said that they have “no alarm bells” regarding Vettel’s results, as the car is incredibly different from the Ferrari, and it may take a lot of time for him to adjust.
Your Take – Verstappen Wins Monaco; Sainz and Norris on the Podium
Well, this is Monaco. Do you want this track on the calendar next year? Perhaps the lack of overtakes is creating a boring atmosphere? We always want to see your opinion on the topics we write about! Either use the form below to comment or take a look at our contact page!
