One of the most prestigious races on the Formula 1 calendar takes place this weekend, as the streets of Monte Carlo, Monaco, get a makeover as the fastest cars on the planet will be racing through the Circuit de Monaco. The race has been staged annually since 1929, and it will be a particularly poignant race for Charles Leclerc, who will be racing on his home track.
Monaco Grand Prix Odds
The BetXchange betting markets for the Monaco Grand Prix have been open since the conclusion to the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. Charles Leclerc is the current 1/1 favourite to claim success in his home race, while Drivers’ Championship leader Max Verstappen is a 12/10 chance. Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz is 16/1, which is the same price as Sergio Perez, and the Mercedes pair of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Event Details & Previous Winners
There isn’t another race on the Formula 1 calendar like the Monaco Grand Prix. It is the most prestigious race of the season, and forms part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500. Drivers will compete around the Circuit de Monaco, which is revered as being one of the most testing circuits on the planet, due to its tight corners and elevation changes throughout.
A total distance of 161.734 miles is covered in the race, which means drivers will need to maintain their focus for all 78 laps. Ayrton Senna is the most successful driver around the streets of Monaco, as the legendary driver won on six occasions during his career, including a run of five straight wins between 1989 and 1993. Verstappen won the race last year, with Sainz and Norris taking second and third, respectively.
Main Monaco Grand Prix Contenders
Last weekend could have been a pivotal one at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, as Max Verstappen finally edged ahead in his battle with Charles Leclerc. However, the Ferrari driver would have been hugely disappointed, as it was his first DNF of the campaign as his car suffered a power issue as he was leading by a wide margin.
That left the race at the mercy of the Red Bull drivers, but Verstappen wasn’t without his own issues, as he was stuck behind the Mercedes of George Russell for much of the race as he suffered with DRS issues. However, he was eventually gifted the win by teammate Sergio Perez after finally getting past Russell, and that leaves him with a six-point advantage coming into this weekend.
But, it was last weekend when Mercedes finally joined the party and they would have ended with a third and fourth if not for a DNF worry in the final stages. Lewis Hamilton was outstanding last weekend, as he came back from the back of the grid after a collision on the first lap to take fifth. The speed of Mercedes was back for both Hamilton and Russell last weekend, and it would appear that they are closing in on mounting a very serious bid for the top of the podium.
Monaco Grand Prix Prediction
Had it not been for a power issue last weekend, Leclerc would be the outstanding chance this weekend. We could see him taking a fourth pole of the season, and he would also be our play to win the race. However, the issues that both Red Bull and Ferrari have endured in recent weeks could open the door for Mercedes. Therefore, we could see Hamilton getting his second podium of the 2022 season.
Picks:
