The Formula 1 action continues in Europe this weekend, as a star-studded audience will likely be in attendance for the Monaco Grand Prix. This race is one of the most famous in the world of motorsport, and is considered to be a Triple Crown race alongside the Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While the Monaco Grand Prix is traditionally one of the most challenging in terms of overtaking, there is typically drama due to the difficulty of the narrow track and the ongoing risk in terms of changing weather conditions.
Race Information
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the shortest races on the Formula 1 schedule, with the street circuit falling below the mandated 305km race distance set aside by the FIA. However, it is widely considered to be one of the most important races in the world of motorsport, and it has been staged since 1929.
This year’s edition will be the 81st time that the race has been held at the Circuit de Monaco, with the drivers completing 78 laps in the gruelling race. No driver has mastered the streets of Monaco better than Aryton Senna throughout history, with the legendary Brazilian landing six victories throughout his career.
Monaco Grand Prix Odds
Max Verstappen will be a clear favourite in the betting to land a second straight race win on Sunday, with BetXchange currently offering odds of 61/100. Charles Leclerc will have home race advantage this weekend, but he is a 38/9 chance.
Lando Norris is priced up at 81/19, with Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz available at 28/3 and 72/5, respectively. Sergio Perez is considered a master on street circuits, and the Mexican is priced up at 84/5.
McLaren Once Again Set To Challenge
Max Verstappen got his season back on track at Imola last weekend, as the Dutchman landed success in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. However, the win was far more challenging than many would have predicted at the half way stage, as Lando Norris was cutting away at his advantage right up until the chequered flag.
The difference between the drivers when they crossed the line was just 0.725 seconds, and McLaren will once again be the primed team to challenge the Red Bull around the streets of Monaco.
Leclerc With Home Advantage
Charles Leclerc will have pressure on his shoulders for the second race running, as the Ferrari driver will have home field advantage over his rivals on Sunday. The Monaco-born driver has an excellent qualifying record in the race, but he is yet to turn that pace into a win. He qualified first in 2021, before colliding with a wall on the final part of quali, which saw the car suffer a driveshaft issue.
He also qualified first in 2022, before team strategy cost him a place on the podium. However, this weekend, he will be hoping for better luck, and that could give him a solid chance.
Monaco Grand Prix Prediction
Verstappen remains the driver to beat this weekend, but Leclerc and Norris look primed to make bold challenges. The narrow preference is for the former, based on his excellent qualifying record around the streets of his home town. A start on pole is usually converted to a race win in Monaco, and it could be third time lucky for Leclerc this weekend.
