Why disappointment in qualifying may not spell the end of Ferrari’s hopes in Monaco this year
Everyone knows that qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix is the most important qualifying session in the Formula 1 calendar, due to the difficulty of passing.
Therefore, the drivers of Ferrari Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc who started P3 and P4, respectively (thinking that the damage Leclerc received in the victory does not lead to the start from the back of the grid or the pit lane), is a little disappointing, especially considering the really strong weekend in training and talking that their car is well suited to the slow corner of Monaco.
But perhaps all is not lost, because it looks like Ferrari has one last shot at breaking Mercedes and polesitter Kimi Antonelli’s dominance this season.
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start the Monaco Grand Prix – his home race – in P4. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire)
Heading into the weekend, much of the buzz about Ferrari had to do with their car’s ability in low-speed corners. This is related to the turbo used in the Ferrari engine, which is smaller than that used by competitors, which means that it is faster, which allows acceleration.
Kind of a key when coming out of a slow corner, right?
Hamilton and Leclerc are the two leading drivers in the first two practice sessions, with Antonelli beating them in FP3.
In qualifying, Antonelli continued his heroics to take part, but what no one really saw was Max Verstappen doing Max Verstappen things and sticking his Red Bull on the start line.
Mercedes driver and championship leader Kimi Antonelli will attempt to win his fifth consecutive Grand Prix of the season when he starts on pole in Monaco. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire)
Now, starting in Monaco from the second row is not ideal, considering that this is usually a race won from the pole.
But…
Remember that thing about fast Ferraris?
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Starting has been Ferrari’s strong suit this season, while, more importantly, Mercedes’ – and especially Antonelli’s – has been their biggest weakness.
On top of that, Verstappen’s Red Bull wasn’t always the fastest off the line.
Although Ferrari started on the front row, they still had a real shot at stealing the win by taking out the front two cars at the first corner, Sainte Devote.
If they can do that, they may have a tough chance given Monaco’s limited passing spots.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton will start the Monaco Grand Prix in P3, which would allow him to take the lead at the opening corner. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
I think the one to watch here is Hamilton. In P3, he starts slightly further back than Leclerc, but also has the advantage of a clean side of the grid to help him get off the line quickly.
Of course, he will have to make the move stick and stick to it.
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Keeping Kimi Antonelli in the Silver Arrow who has been out of his mind this season after every race will be a big challenge.
But if no Ferrari can make an early move, regardless of weather or beauty, Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen have the edge.
