Monaco GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

MONACO GP - RACE - RE-CAP & RESULTS

    Sebastian Vettel secured a Ferrari 1-2 around the streets of Monaco after overtaking team mate Kimi Raikkonen in the pit stops.

    Vettel pitted five laps later than Raikkonen and emerged just ahead of his team mate. It was a strategy that worked elsewhere in the pit lane. Raikkonen didn’t have the pace to answer Vettel, and had to focus on defense rather than attack.

    The championship leader was able to build up a small gap, before a safety car paused the race and bunched up the field.

    An opportunistic move from the returning Jenson Button saw him collide with Pascal Wehrlein just 18 laps before the end of the race. The Sauber ended the race on its side and against the barrier, whilst Button retired with damaged suspension.

    The incident brought out the safety car as the marshals cleared Wehrlein’s car, and then his team mate’s car. Marcus Ericsson was overtaking the safety car to unlap himself when he collided with the wall.

    On the restart, Vettel made a perfect get away, though Raikkonen was also able to pull away from Daniel Ricciardo behind him, who survived hitting the wall.

    Ricciardo also benefited from a late pit stop. He jumped up to third past team mate Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas. The strategic mistake left Verstappen frustrated, and though he tried to challenge Bottas, he ended the race fifth.

    The final few laps saw a series of challenges at the back of the points. Stoffel Vandoorne looked set to take McLaren’s first win of 2017 when a move from Sergio Perez saw him hit the wall at the same place as Ericsson.

    Perez was also witness to Daniil Kvyat’s retirement. The pair came together as Perez tried to find a way past, ending Kvyat’s race and Perez’s recovery from an early pit stop. Perez was able to get back to the pits, receiving a new front wing and heading back out to take the fastest lap of the race.

    Kvyat’s team mate Carlos Sainz took sixth, ahead of championship contender Lewis Hamilton. A poor qualifying saw Hamilton start out of position, but the Brit was able to make up places around the tight circuit.

    Both Haas drivers took points for the first time this season, with Romain Grosjean finishing eighth and Kevin Magnussen 10th. Williams’ Felipe Massa split the pair.

    Jolyon Palmer finished 11th, with the Force India duo the only other finishers. Esteban Ocon, who suffered a puncture, took 12th, ahead of Perez.

    Nico Hulkenberg was the first driver to retire from the race as smoke poured from the back of his Renault after only 15 laps. The team said it was a gearbox problem rather than engine.

    Lance Stroll retired from his first Monaco GP. The teenager had been complaining about cold brakes and tyres during the safety car period, saying he would crash if something didn’t change. He didn’t crash, though did come into the pits a few laps later due to a brake problem.

RESULTS:

1. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany / + 25 Points
2. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland / +18 Points
3. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Australia / + 15 Points
4. Valtteri Bottas / Mercedes-Mercedes / Finland / +12 Points
5. Max Verstappen / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Netherlands / 10 Points
6. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Renault / Spain / + 8 Points
7. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain / + 6 Points
8. Romain Grosjean / Haas-Ferrari / France / + 4 Point
9. Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil / + 2 Points
10. Kevin Magnussen / Haas-Ferrari / Denmark / + 1 Point
11. Jolyon Palmer / Renault-Renault / Great Britain
12. Esteban Ocon / Force India-Mercedes / France
13. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico
14. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso-Renault / Russia / DNF - Collision*
15. Lance Stroll / Williams-Mercedes / Canada / DNF - Brakes*

RETIRED - Stoffel Vandoorne / McLaren-Honda / Belgium / Collision
RETIRED - Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden / Collision
RETIRED – Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain / Collision**
RETIRED - Pascal Wehrlein / Sauber-Ferrari / Germany / Collision
RETIRED - Nico Hulkenberg / Renault-Renault / Germany / Gearbox

* - Qualified as finished
** - Notes Jenson Button is replacing Fernando Alonso during the Monaco GP weekend.

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Monaco GP: Qualifying - Re-Cap & Results

MONACO GP - QUALIFYING - RE-CAP & RESULTS

    Kimi Raikkonen will start the race from his first pole position since 2008, where he grabbed pole ahead of the French GP. 

    Stoffel Vandoorne crashed out of Q2, sending out yellow flags at the end of the session. As a result, Lewis Hamilton didn't get to finish his fast lap and did not make it into Q3. Vandoorne also has a 3-Place-Grid-Penalty for his collision with Massa in Spain.

    Jenson Button has received a 15-Place-Grid-Penalty as the team was forced to change the cars MGU-H and TC. He will start from pit-lane.

HOW IT WORKS:

Q1 = 18 minutes. All cars allowed to go out. At the end of the session, the five slowest are eliminated.

Q2 = 15 minutes. The remaining cars go out. At the end of the session, the five slowest are eliminated.

Q3 = 12 minutes. Final 10 cars go out. The final order at the end of the session is how the grid will line up. Fastest car starts from Pole Position.

GRID LINE-UP

1. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland
2. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany
3. Valtteri Bottas / Mercedes-Mercedes / Finland
4. Max Verstappen / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Netherlands
5. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Australia
6. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Renault / Spain
7. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico
8. Romain Grosjean / Haas-Ferrari / France
9. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso-Renault / Russia
10. Nico Hulkenberg / Renault-Renault / Germany
11. Kevin Magnussen / Haas-Ferrari / Denmark
12. Stoffel Vandoorne / McLaren-Honda / Belgium*
13. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain
14. Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil
15. Esteban Ocon / Force India-Mercedes / France
16. Jolyon Palmer / Renault-Renault / Great Britain
17. Lance Stroll / Williams-Mercedes / Canada
18. Pascal Wehrlein / Sauber-Ferrari / Germany
19. Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden

PIT-LANE - Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain**+

* - (Vandoorne) 3-Place-Grid-Penalty for collision with Massa during Spanish GP
** - (Button) 15-Place-Grid-Penalty for multiple engine component changes

+ - Notes Jenson Button is replacing Fernando Alonso during the Monaco GP weekend.

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Monaco GP: Free Practice #3 - Re-Cap & Times

MONACO GP - FREE PRACTICE #3 - RE-CAP & TIMES

    The third and final practice session got underway Saturday and it was Ferrari that lead the way with Vettel taking the top spot with a 1:12.395. Team-mate, Raikkonen was right behind him in second with a 1:12.740.

    Some news broke before the session that Jenson Button would take a 15-Place-Grid-Penalty for Sunday's race due to the team changing his MGU-H and his TC. Vandoorne has a grid penalty as well and will move back 3 places due to his collision with Massa in Spain.

    Esteban Ocon suffered a pretty heavy crash during the session. The young Frenchman, clipped the barriers, which broke his front suspension, leaving him unable to turn to avoid the wall near the swimming pool. The nose of his Force India got embedded in the wall and the marshals struggled, but managed to remove it and get the car off the track with the help of a crane. Ocon is OK and the team was able to repair the car in time for Qualifying.

    Daniel Ricciardo suffered a brake-by-wire failure right as the chequered flag dropped to signal the end of the session. He was able to keep from crashing, despite reporting that the pedal had gone to the floor. Once he was out of the way, he switched the car off and made his way back to the pits. He was also able to get out in Qualifying thanks to the quick work of the Red Bull mechanics.

TIMES:

1. Sebastian Vettel - 1:12.395 / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany

2. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:12.740 / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland

3. Valtteri Bottas - 1:12.830 / Mercedes-Mercedes / Finland

4. Max Verstappen - 1:12.940 / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Netherlands

5. Lewis Hamilton - 1:13.230 / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain

6. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:13.392 / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Australia

7. Carlos Sainz - 1:13.400 / Toro Rosso-Renault / Spain

8. Daniil Kvyat - 1:13.563 / Toro Rosso-Renault / Russia

9. Kevin Magnussen - 1:13.596 / Haas-Ferrari / Denmark

10. Stoffel Vandoorne - 1:13.805 / McLaren-Honda / Belgium

11. Sergio Perez - 1:13.936 / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico

12. Jenson Button - 1:13.976 / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain*

13. Esteban Ocon - 1:14.072 / Force India-Mercedes / France

14. Felipe Massa - 1:14.072 / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil

15. Nico Hulkenberg - 1:14.283 / Renault-Renault / Germany

16. Romain Grosjean - 1:14.547 / Haas-Ferrari / France

17. Lance Stroll - 1:14.675 / Williams-Mercedes / Canada

18. Jolyon Palmer - 1:15.164 / Renault-Renault / Great Britain

19. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:15.291 / Sauber-Ferrari / Germany

20. Marcus Ericsson - 1:15.863 / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden

* - Notes Jenson Button is replacing Fernando Alonso during the Monaco GP weekend.

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Monaco GP: Free Practice #2 - Re-Cap & Times

MONACO GP - FREE PRACTICE #2 - RE-CAP & TIMES

    Sebastian Vettel topped the times in the second Monaco free practice whilst Williams’ Lance Stroll became the first of the weekend to stick his car in the barriers.

    Vettel showed dominance around the streets of Monte Carlo, with a time nearly half a second faster than his closest rival. The 1m12.720s was the fastest time of the day.

    Stroll brought out the red flags with about 35 minutes left on the clock. The rookie lost the rear of the Williams at the top of the hill before hitting the barriers at Casino Square. Marshals quickly recovered the vehicle, allowing teams to continue their long runs, but it was the end of Stroll’s first Thursday in Monaco.

    Marcus Ericsson also ran close to the barriers when he lost the rear end of his car. The Sauber driver touched the barrier, but managed to correct the mistake and keep his car on the track.

    Esteban Ocon ran a little close to comfort too, hitting the barriers early, but managed to continue. He took the 15th fastest time

    There was trouble for Renault as smoke poured out of Jolyon Palmer's car early in the session. The Brit was told to stop the car on track, and yellow flags were brought out to clear it. He wasn't able to get back out and ended the session 18th fastest, ahead of only the two Sauber drivers.

    The French manufacturer had something to cheer as Daniel Ricciardo took the second fastest time. The Red Bull was still a way off Vettel’s time, but was seven hundredths of a second faster than Kimi Raikkonen in third.

    The Toro Rosso drivers took fourth and fifth. Both briefly topped the timings early in the session, and finished the day just 0.6s slower than Vettel.

    Max Verstappen could only take sixth fastest. The Red Bull man very almost beat Lance Stroll into the wall when he came out of shape at the swimming pool. Most of his session also saw him hindered by traffic, including team mate Ricciardo.

    Sergio Perez took seventh fastest.

    Oddly missing from the top of the times was Mercedes. The team could only manage eighth and 10th fastest, Lewis Hamilton ahead of Valtteri Bottas. It was suggested that the team had been expected better in the earlier session and was chasing the times in FP2 before starting the long runs.

TIMES:

1. Sebastian Vettel - 1:12.720 / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany

2. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:13.207 / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Australia

3. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:13.283 / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland

4. Daniil Kvyat - 1:13.331 / Toro Rosso-Renault / Russia

5. Carlos Sainz - 1:13.400 / Toro Rosso-Renault / Spain

6. Max Verstappen - 1:13.986 / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Netherlands

7. Sergio Perez - 1:13.799 / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico

8. Lewis Hamilton - 1:13.873 / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain

9. Kevin Magnussen - 1:13.890 / Haas-Ferrari / Denmark

10. Valtteri Bottas - 1:13.902 / Mercedes-Mercedes / Finland

11. Stoffel Vandoorne - 1:13.946 / McLaren-Honda / Belgium

12. Jenson Button - 1:13.981 / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain*

13. Felipe Massa - 1:14.003 / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil

14. Romain Grosjean - 1:14.022 / Haas-Ferrari / France

15. Esteban Ocon - 1:14.093 / Force India-Mercedes / France

16. Lance Stroll - 1:14.474 / Williams-Mercedes / Canada

17. Nico Hulkenberg - 1:14.870 / Renault-Renault / Germany

18. Jolyon Palmer - 1:15.616 / Renault-Renault / Great Britain

19. Marcus Ericsson - 1:15.691 / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden

20. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:15.695 / Sauber-Ferrari / Germany

* - Notes Jenson Button is replacing Fernando Alonso during the Monaco GP weekend.

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Monaco GP: Free Practice #1 - Re-Cap & Times

MONACO GP - FREE PRACTICE #1 - RE-CAP & TIMES

    The first practice session of the weekend proved to be troublesome for a handful of drivers, with mechanical issues being reported.

    Marcus Ericsson was one of the few unlucky drivers to suffer with mechanical troubles. He reported losing fourth gear early on and then not long after, his session came to an end with a confirmed gearbox issue. He was unable to set any timed laps

    Nico Hulkenberg didn't get a chance to set any timed laps either as his car spent the session in the garage, up on the jacks with mechanics working away to get his reported ES issue fixed. Lucky enough for him, he didn't need an engine change and was able to get out later that day for FP2

    Jenson Button returned to an F1 track for the first time since Abu Dhabi last year. He is replacing Fernando Alonso as he prepares to compete in the 101st running of the Indy 500. While Button will race in Monaco one more time, he has no plans to return to F1 permanently. He is however, seeking interest in Le Mans in the future.

    Lewis Hamilton finished the session on top with a 1:13.425, while Vettel finished close behind with a 1:13.621. Verstappen, Bottas and Ricciardo completed the top five.

TIMES:

1. Lewis Hamilton - 1:13.425 / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain

2. Sebastian Vettel - 1:13.621 / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany

3. Max Verstappen - 1:13.771 / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Netherlands

4. Valtteri Bottas - 1:13.791 / Mercedes-Mercedes / Finland

5. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:13.854 / Red Bull-TAG-Heuer / Australia

6. Daniil Kvyat - 1:14.111 / Toro Rosso-Renault / Russia

7. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:14.164 / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland

8. Sergio Perez - 1:14.201 / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico

9. Carlos Sainz - 1:14.333 / Toro Rosso-Renault / Spain

10. Esteban Ocon - 1:14.425 / Force India-Mercedes / France

11. Felipe Massa - 1:14.617 / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil

12. Stoffel Vandoorne - 1:14.813 / McLaren-Honda / Belgium

13. Kevin Magnussen - 1:14.870 / Haas-Ferrari / Denmark

14. Jenson Button - 1:14.954 / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain*

15. Romain Grosjean - 1:15.321 / Haas-Ferrari / France

16. Lance Stroll - 1:15.595 / Williams-Mercedes / Canada

17. Jolyon Palmer - 1:15.949 / Renault-Renault / Great Britain

18. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:16.258 / Sauber-Ferrari / Germany

19. Nico Hulkenberg - NO TIME SET / Renault-Renault / Germany

20. Marcus Ericsson - NO TIME SET / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden

* - Notes Jenson Button is replacing Fernando Alonso during the Monaco GP weekend.

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Haas

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - HAAS F1 TEAM

Romain Grosjean - “Monaco is special to me because it’s kind of my home race. We’re beside France and there’s always a lot of people, a lot of fans. It is, of course, special because of all the glamour because it is Monaco. Everyone knows Monaco and everyone wants to be in Monaco. It’s a very challenging track and a very long weekend with lots of demands, but at the end of the day it’s a very nice show.

    It’s pretty difficult to race there. Every city racetrack is complicated. In Monaco, you can’t make any mistakes or you’re straight into the wall. It’s hard to find the right limit of the car. You always have to drive underneath (the limit), unless you’re in qualifying on a very fast lap. It’s very tight there, and it goes very fast between the walls. It’s a great challenge.

    It’s almost impossible to pass in Monaco, unless you take big risks, and in that case you may spend some hours with the stewards afterward. Qualifying is the key. You really want to be on the front row. Once the race starts, you want a good start and try to hang in there. It’s one of those races where the chances to overtake are very low. Something really needs to happen for you to be able to come back if you’re racing at the back.

    I’ll have my wife and my Dad coming to Monaco, which is going to be great. Of course, there’s going to be a lot of French fans at the Grand Prix, which is really cool. I’m really looking forward to that. Monaco’s a special one as we don’t drive on the Friday. It’s an ‘off’ day on track, but I’ve got at least one meeting with the engineers, an autograph session and a fan forum appearance. It’s pretty busy even though you’re not running.”

Kevin Magnussen - “Monaco is the most iconic race of the season. It’s also one of the most fun tracks to drive. It’s really challenging, especially with this new, faster car. The section around the swimming pool is going to be very fast this year and around the casino as well. I think it’s going to be great fun.

    It’s pretty difficult to race and it’s nearly impossible to overtake. You can only overtake if the guy in front of you makes a big mistake, really. At least with these big cars, I think it’ll be a bit like that. Qualifying will be very important.”

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Renault

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - RENAULT SPORT FORMULA ONE TEAM

Nico Hulkenberg - “There is no track like Monaco, it’s the highlight of the year. It’s unique and special in every aspect and I massively look forward to it. It is probably the most glamorous Grand Prix on the calendar and there is no place like it to give you a buzz and a sensation of speed.

    Physically it is not the most demanding track, but you have to really concentrate and be very precise. It is low speed, not a high G-force track, but very full-on which makes focus vital. An error puts you in the wall and ends your race. As a driver it is about confidence. Overtaking is hard but it is a thrilling race and a huge challenge, I really love racing at Monaco.

    The track should suit us, especially with the supersoft and ultrasoft tyres. I am looking forward to race day and obviously I’m aiming for a good result. Last year I performed there quite well and with the new cars it will feel even quicker. You need a good rhythm and a good harmony with yourself and the car and feel comfortable. Lap times can be tricky to find, but in recent years I have done well, so hopefully we can have another strong performance.

    You have to build it up step by step, session by session. The last thing you want to do is touch a wall as that will take all your confidence away. In qualifying you peak and take more risks and get closer to the barriers and really get on the limits. But it is a street circuit, we know what they entail and you have to be sensible and totally focused on the task. (As a Monaco resident) I scooter and bike around the track, sometimes through the tunnel! It is kind of weird to go home every night between sessions, but it is a nice change-up to the normal routine.”

Jolyon Palmer - “Monaco is really fun, there is nothing quite like it. It is a unique event with all the glitz and glamour, all the yachts, all the rich and famous. It all adds to make a really fun place and a great event to be involved in. It is a special weekend and one I always love. Monaco is a cool place and so different behind the wheel where you have adrenaline pumping from the first lap. It is difficult to catch your breath as it is 75 seconds of chaos! From the moment you hit the brakes at 

    Sainte Devote and up the hill, it is one corner after another, super quick and very bumpy. There are walls on the outside, you literally brush them and get as close as you can. It is pinpoint accuracy required and commitment for all of it - that is the challenge.

    I’ve got pretty close (to a perfect lap in Monaco) and it feels very good. It is probably the best feeling you get in racing. It is about commitment and chucking the car in and hoping it comes out the corner. When you do that for 19 corners, it is pretty special. I remember setting my GP2 pole position lap in 2014 knowing that nobody would beat it.

    You need to build up to it steadily. It is a normal road so the track changes as it evolves. You build up your confidence which is important to do piece by piece. This year will be tough with the new cars. It is pretty much a two-hour race, even qualifying will be hard. You have no chance to gather your thoughts or take a breath on the lap. Mentally it is the hardest race of the year.”

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the season. It is kind of unique place, as it is so different to other circuits on our calendar. This street track is a lot of fun to drive, but at the same time very challenging. A small mistake can be punished by ending in the barriers. But if you are feeling confident in the car, you can extract the most out of your skills and the car’s perfomance. After the surprising team result in Barcelona, we travel with a good feeling to Monte Carlo. We are making progress, and I am confident that we can further improve with the new parts that we are bringing to Monte Carlo.”

Pascal Wehrlein - “Racing in Monaco is always special – it is fascinating and challenging at the same time, but also because of the tradition and the exciting Formula 1 races in the past. It is a real challenge for us drivers, as we need to drive very precisely. In order to be fast we are forced to drive the cars millimetres away from the barriers, but I like these kinds of challenges. Looking back on the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, we travel with good memories to Monte Carlo. We need to keep working in this development direction to further improve, but I am positive that we will make another step with the new parts on the car in Monaco.”

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Williams

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING

Felipe Massa - "It will be the first time we go to Monaco with wider cars. So we will need to adapt to the new size for the extremely tight track. It will be challenging, for sure, but it always is in Monaco. It's going to be an interesting race. It's a race where anything can happen. Qualifying can be more important than the race, as the position where you start often decides where you will finish, so it's important to have a good Saturday. Monaco is also like my second home Grand Prix, so I'm really looking forward to it!" 

Lance Stroll - "It goes without saying that I am looking forward to my first Monaco race. It is going to be a special weekend on and off track, as I have some friends coming to see me race there. I have seen the race a couple of times and know the track from video games. I always go on the simulator a few days before leaving for the race so it is fresh in my mind, and then a track walk with my engineers is where I can pick up on the little things. Without doubt it's going to be tricky. However, this is always the case with street circuits, especially for your first race, but I am going to enjoy the challenge. With the barriers so close there is less room for error, so it is important to build up to quick laps and then really push when it matters."

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Toro Rosso

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO F1 TEAM

Daniil Kvyat - "It feels like another home race for me, as I live in Monaco and during the race weekend I get to sleep in my own bed. It's also not far to walk to the Paddock in the mornings, which is quite cool! It's an unusual feeling, but it's something I really like to do. The track itself is unique. I really like it and it's all about your reflexes and reaction time – you just drive following your feelings and you have to find the right flow and rhythm in order to do well at this track.

    Yes, I do have quite a result's pattern in Monaco: DNF in 2014, P4 in 2015, DNF in 2016… So this year it looks like it should be a good one!  My Qualis have usually been quite decent in Monaco. Regarding the races, in 2015 I had a very good one, one of the best races of my career I'd say. This year I definitely want to put a good weekend together and see where we end up – a P4 would be good to continue with my result's pattern!"

Carlos Sainz - Monaco is a track that, since I went there for the first time back in 2013, I really got a good feeling racing there. I remember Fernando back then explaining a few secrets and tricks to me that I still have in my mind today. Racing with the walls so close is something you're always alert of – you can't drive around Monaco like you do at any other track! You just need to really build your confidence up and make sure that your confidence levels for qualifying are at 100% and that you haven't risked too much or had any big shocks before that session. It's a track that, when it comes to qualifying in particular, is a very tense moment– it's the toughest session of the year and where I need to be more determined. It's the easiest track to make a mistake, but it's a challenge I really enjoy."

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Force India

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM

Sergio Perez - “When you think of Formula One, you think of Monaco. It’s the most important race and the one we all want to win. When I was a child, I dreamed about driving on the famous streets and I still feel excited every year I race there. To finish on the podium last year shows that anything is possible. It’s such a unique race; a big highlight of the year.

    Monaco is my favourite track because it’s the biggest challenge. I think the contribution of the driver is greater compared to other tracks. There is no room for mistakes and you need to take small risks to find extra performance. It’s a test of concentration for almost two hours, which is why it’s such a difficult race.

    The best parts of the lap are the quick sections. The swimming pool is impressive because we carry so much speed and you have to be very precise on the kerbs. Casino is also very quick and with these cars will be quite a challenge. There’s no room for error so you need to be careful that the car doesn’t step out of line through these parts of the lap.”

Esteban Ocon - "Driving in Monaco is going to be a new experience for me because I’ve never raced there before. I used to come and watch the Formula One races when I was young, but I never had the opportunity to race there. It’s strange, because it’s such a famous lap and I know it so well in my head, but it’s always a different experience when you drive a track for real.

    To get ready for Monaco I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator at our factory, but I still have a lot to learn during the practice sessions on Thursday. It’s a case of taking a step-by-step approach and getting to the limit gently. I normally enjoy street circuits and I am sure I can get up-to-speed quickly.

    This year Monaco is the closest thing I have to a home Grand Prix because it’s next door to France. It’s a very special place and I always feel a sense of history when I go there. The city is forever linked with Formula One and it’s currently the number-one race of the year. For the drivers it gives a big rush of adrenaline and it’s the same for the fans watching. Everybody knows it’s a big challenge.”

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - McLaren

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - McLAREN HONDA FORMULA 1 TEAM

Stoffel Vandoorne - "Although the Spanish Grand Prix result was frustrating and of course not a result that we were looking for, we were still able to find some positives over the weekend. The upgrades we brought to the car have delivered the performance we were hoping, and we managed to take a lot of information from each day on track, which has been really useful for the engineers and the design team back at the factory and is helping our programme from race to race. 

    Since Barcelona, I've been back at MTC in the simulator, and I feel ready and excited to head to Monaco. It's the first time that I'll be racing in my ‘back yard', as it's recently become another home race for me. It'll also be my first time behind the wheel there in a Formula 1 car, but it's not the first time I've driven on the famous Monaco circuit. I raced there in GP2 for three years, and also in World Series by Renault, so I know it pretty well and enjoy driving there. It's one of those tracks where even if you have the best-performing car, but you're a victim of bad luck in the traffic, it can affect the outcome of the whole weekend. It makes for really exciting racing for the fans, and anything can happen there. 

     It's also great to see Jenson back in McLaren-Honda colours and alongside me in the garage. Both of us love driving on this circuit and I hope it'll be the best opportunity for us on track so far this season. I know both of us will also be keeping one eye on everything happening in Indianapolis, too, and hope Fernando can also enjoy a good weekend over there."

Jenson Button - "It feels slightly surreal to be back in the cockpit for the Monaco Grand Prix. When the call came from Eric there was no hesitation – it's a totally unique situation and a great opportunity. I'm looking forward to stepping back behind the wheel for one of the most crazy, unpredictable and exciting races of the year. 

    Monaco is truly unique as a track, and requires a lot of work to fine-tune the car and optimise the set-up for the narrow layout. It's always a challenge – a huge challenge, for any driver – but a really exciting challenge, and has always been up there in my favourite races of the year. 

    Although I haven't turned a wheel on track yet in the MCL32, I feel well prepared. I know the track well, of course, and I've done quite a bit of work in the McLaren simulator already. I'm still fit, and I've been training probably more than ever, because I've had the time to focus on my triathlon preparation and competitions. I'm looking forward to working with the team again, and, as I'll be on the other side of the garage this time around, I'll do my best to look after the car for Fernando!"

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Red Bull

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - RED BULL RACING FORMULA ONE TEAM

Max Verstappen - “I have been living in Monaco for just over a year now and really enjoyed every minute of it. I have a good crew of friends which means we always have plenty of fun. It is also nice being able to train in the Mediterranean sun, and experience the nightlife... in the off season.

    There is no such thing as a low risk lap in Monaco, it doesn’t exist if you want to be fast because you have to be on the limit. Last year’s crash was very unfortunate but it doesn’t affect my confidence heading back there, it just makes me want to do better this year and learn from my mistakes. We still have a lot to learn from the car in terms of setup as it is always developing and we haven’t driven it on a tight street circuit yet.

    Preparation for Monaco is a little different, you definitely build up a little bit slower throughout the weekend and pace yourself. It’s important to find the limit carefully. With the new cars I think the chicane around the swimming pool will be the most challenging corner this year.”

Daniel Ricciardo - “In theory I could walk to work while we are in Monaco, it is still a bit of a way but it could be done. Luckily for me though we get boats to the Energy Station which is a nice change. Being able to sleep in your own bed and complain about the noise is also a treat.

    Monaco is definitely my favourite track to drive, it is so tight and intimidating. From the outside some of the sequences look impossible to go through at the speeds we do. Once you are in the car it’s an amazing feeling. If you kiss the wall it actually makes you want to do it again as opposed to scaring you. The whole spectacle of the weekend just makes it something unique and special.

    Last year was disappointing for me as I felt we definitely had the win on the cards. I am old enough and mature enough now to put that behind me and be able to look forward to racing there, and take back what I felt I lost last year. I don’ think I could have gone any quicker in my pole lap. Personally I felt it went really well, one of the best laps I have ever done. If I do win the trophy it is staying with me. NO REPLICAS!”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Lewis Hamilton - "It’s a circuit which is all about mental strength. You need to be sharp and clear. Experience counts here too – that helps massively in setting the car up. I’ve been doing this for a long time now. I spend a lot of time at the factory with the engineers to understand past races. Just the other night, I was driving around the track in my Smart car, visualizing the circuit. It’s not so easy, though, when there are lots of cars around!

    We have new cars this weekend which are wider and faster, so that’s going to be a massive challenge. In trying to push the car as close as you can to the limit, it’ll be a real test of your awareness of where the car is. I’m sure there will be some brushing of the barriers. The most important thing is that you have to learn to walk before you run. You have to build up to the pace so that, by the time you work up to that second run in Q3, you’re at 100 percent.”

Valtteri Bottas - “It’s one of those weekends when you really need to be on the top of your game. You need to be so focused on what is a mentally exhausting weekend. You need to be focused on every single car of every single lap, because one mistake will cost you. Monaco is always a great challenge. We live for these kinds of challenges.”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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GP3 - SPAIN - Sprint Race - Results

GP3 - SPRINT RACE - RESULTS - SPAIN

1. Arjun Maini / Jenzer Motorsport / India / + 15 Points

2. Dorian Boccolacci / Trident / France / + 12 Points

3. Alessio Lorandi / Jenzer Motorsport / Italy / + 10 Points

4. Anthoine Hubert / ART Grand Prix / France / + 8 Points

5. George Russell / ART Grand Prix / Great Britain / + 6 Points + 2 Points (FL)

6. Nirei Fukuzumi / ART Grand Prix / Japan / + 4 Points

7. Raoul Hyman / Campos Racing / South Africa / + 2 Points

8. Santino Ferrucci / DAMS / USA / + 1 Point

9. Kevin Joerg / Trident / Switzerland 

10. Julien Falchero / Campos Racing / France

11. Giuliano Alesi / Trident / France

12. Jack Aitken / ART Grand Prix / Great Britain

13. Bruno Baptista / DAMS / Brazil

14. Niko Kari / Arden International / Finland

15. Steijn Schothorst / Arden International / Netherlands

16. Marcos Siebert / Campos Racing / Argentina

17. Leonardo Pulcini / Arden International / Italy

18. Ryan Tveter / Trident / USA

RETIRED - Tatiana Calderon / DAMS / Columbia / Car Damage

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended

GP3 - SPAIN - Feature Race - Results

GP3 - FEATURE RACE - RESULTS - SPAIN

1. Nirei Fukuzumi / ART Grand Prix / Japan / + 25 Points

2. Leonardo Pulcini / Arden International / Italy / + 18 Points

3. Alessio Lorandi / Jenzer Motorsport / Italy / + 15 Points

4. George Russell / ART Grand Prix / Great Britain / + 12 Points

5. Anthoine Hubert / ART Grand Prix / France / + 10 Points

6. Dorian Boccolacci / Trident / France / + 8 Points

7. Arjun Maini / Jenzer Motorsport / India / + 6 Points

8. Raoul Hyman / Campos Racing / South Africa / + 4 Points

9. Santino Ferrucci / DAMS / USA / + 2 Points

10. Marcos Siebert / Campos Racing / Argentina / + 1 Point

11. Julien Falchero / Campos Racing / France 

12. Ryan Tveter / Trident / USA

13. Kevin Joerg / Trident / Switzerland

14. Tatiana Calderon / DAMS / Columbia

15. Niko Kari / Arden International / Finland

16. Bruno Baptista / DAMS / Brazil

17. Giuliano Alesi / Trident / France

18. Steijn Schothorst / Arden International / Netherlands

RETIRED - Jack Aitken / ART Grand Prix / Great Britain / Sensor Failure / + 4 Points (Pole)

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended