The streets of Monte Carlo have played host to the Formula 1 world championship 67 times prior to this weekend – with the Monaco Grand Prix probably the most famous event on the F1 calendar.
While the circuit’s layout itself may not have changed in recent years, the cars that the teams brought with them to the tiny city state certainly have in the last 12 months.
Since pre-season testing back in February, many drivers pointed that the stiff, low-running ground effect cars for the 2022 would present particular challenges at this circuit. And after two hours of practice around the streets, even some of the most successful drivers to have driven a Formula 1 car around the city had to admit that it almost felt like a whole new circuit with the newest generation of cars.
“Although I have raced here many times, this circuit feels a lot different in these new cars,” said Sebastian Vettel.
“The main difference is that the tyres are much bigger so it is more difficult to see the track around you. The cars are also much stiffer and going through the tunnel is not as easy as it used to be. I was lucky to save the car during a mistake at the Swimming Pool, despite my heart rate definitely going up.”
Vettel’s experience was one shared by many of his rivals, such as Mercedes driver George Russell.
“These cars are very, very stiff,” said Russell, whose Mercedes team suffered more than most from uncomfortable ride. “Around a bumpy street circuit, it’s not easy to put it on the limit. I think that’s one of the biggest difficulties.”
As ever in 2022, the question at the front of the field was which of the two teams to have tasted victory so far this season – Red Bull and Ferrari – would hold the advantage around the tight, twisty Monaco streets. After ending Friday’s sessions behind the two Ferraris, Sergio Perez was confident that the answer to that question was not Red Bull.
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