The 2017 Monaco Grand Prix will be a battle of F1 racing’s top stars. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel holds a slim lead over rival Lewis Hamilton, but the Mercedes driver can usurp the German with a first place finish.
Until last year’s Monaco Grand Prix, the race had been dominated by Nico Rosberg. The German won the race three years running – 2013, 2014 and 2015 – until Hamilton ended his mini-dynasty by taking first on the podium in 2016. Hamilton has already won two of the five F1 races this season, taking the checkered flag at the Chinese Grand Prix and the competition’s most recent race in Spain. A Vettel win could really put Hamilton behind the eight ball in F1 standings; and it could be difficult for the three-time world champion to come back, if he doesn’t finish first on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Hamilton and Mercedes didn’t have much success during Practice Two on Friday. The team finished eighth and 10th during the practice session. Mercedes have won the last four Monaco Grand Prix races, and many believe the team will once again drive to the title on Sunday. Bookmakers don’t necessarily agree with that assumption and Vettel has been installed as the race favourite at -125, according to Bovada.
F1 fans maybe a bit frustrated with the lack of storylines heading into this year’s race. Ferrari and Merecedes’ rivalry at the top of the points standings definitely takes centre stage. The two teams have the top four drivers in F1 this season, and no team have won a race other than the two. It is difficult to think that Red Bull, Force India or one of the other teams will break into the top four as the season continues. If McLaren Honda can just finish a race, then it will be seen as a good day at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Monaco Grand Prix Key Facts:
- 19 corners on the Monaco circuit
- 130 average speed kilometres per hour
- 96 gear changes per lap
- Lewis Hamilton has a 100% Monaco Grand Prix completion rate
- McLaren holds the most wins at Monaco Grand Prix with 15
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