The Monaco GP is just around the corner! Many experts see Ferrari as a formidable opponent on the streets of the principality; the SF-26 should thrive on the slow, twisty circuit. According to Juan Pablo Montoya, hometown hero Charles Leclerc has the best chances, although Lewis Hamilton can also cause surprises. The Colombian saw the seven-time world champion excel again during the last stop in Montreal.
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On behalf of a betting platform, Montoya has already taken a closer look at the upcoming ‘crown jewel’. The former F1 driver won seven Grands Prix in his prime, including Monaco. He has high expectations for the upcoming edition, partly due to the changed F1 regulations. “First of all, the cars will be smaller,” he explained. “That will be a huge advantage. In addition, the power output will be insanely high; the approach speeds at, for example, the Casino and the Chicane will be much higher because there will be a lot of energy recovery.”
The FIA has meanwhile restricted the high level of energy recovery. Top speeds are limited via a new engine mode. In addition, there are no so-called Straight Mode zones. All this with the safety of the drivers in mind. “The lower downforce will make driving more dependent on the driver,” Montoya continued. “I think this will be to Ferrari’s advantage.” He emphasized Ferrari’s strength in slow corners and suggested that Monaco’s unique characteristics could suit the team well.
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Hamilton in top form
“They (Ferrari, ed.) are still very strong in the slow corners. Moreover, Monaco is probably the circuit where the power difference is the smallest – more or less power doesn’t make much difference there.” The question is which driver can benefit the most from that: hometown hero Charles Leclerc or former champion Lewis Hamilton. “It has always been a Leclerc circuit, but if he gets beaten here, that would be a huge blow – and a big success for Hamilton.”
During the recent Canadian GP, Hamilton – unlike Leclerc – was again in top form. “It was really nice to see Verstappen and Hamilton duel,” said Montoya. “And Lewis’ overtaking maneuver was simply fantastic. What we saw from him in Canada, we hadn’t seen for at least three years. He is no longer the Lewis from the end of his time at Mercedes; he is again the Lewis from before, the one who immediately delivers exceptional performances in the race. He is now simply in a much better position and people don’t realize how much difference that can make. Unless Leclerc runs into trouble in Monaco, I still think he will win. At the same time, I would love it if Hamilton wins.”
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