So much of the focus for the teams and drivers will be on qualifying performance and that all-important best single lap on Saturday, with starting position so much more crucial in Monaco than anywhere else. Strategy can always play a part, but securing the best spot on the grid is imperative.
To that end, the qualifying laps when the cars are at their fastest and the drivers taking the most risks are mesmerising to watch, and a real highlight of the season. And the backdrop isn’t too bad, either…
Could the weather play a key role?
The Monaco Grand Prix might conjure up images of a clear blue sky and gorgeous Mediterranean waters shimmering in the sunshine, but there have been many occasions where the weather has played a key role in the outcome of the race. And this weekend could be one such case.
Monaco in the wet is a challenge unlike any other, with so little room for error and driver skill coming to the fore even more than usual. At the time of writing, that could be required on Saturday, with a risk of rain around the time of qualifying.
Based on the long-range forecast, the practice sessions all look dry, so there could end up being a situation where drivers are dealing with wet conditions for the first time when it matters the most. And if that comes to pass, who knows what the final grid will look like?