A Loss for Mercedes but a Win for Formula 1

 

The Formula World Championship took a huge turn on Sunday with the conclusion of one of Formula 1's most historic events - the Monaco Grand Prix. For the first time since Germany 2018, a team other than Mercedes have led the Drivers and Constructors championships. This team is non other than Red Bull who are finally seeing days which remind them of their ever so dominant era between 2009 and 2013. 

It was a race of many first for the season. The first time there was no Mercedes on the podium. The first time both Aston Martin's finished in the points. The first time Pierre Gasly finished 6th in the principality. Leading Lewis Hamilton for the entire 78 laps, it was a tremendous drive from him under plenty of pressure throughout from the 7 time World Champion. 

A conclusion of 300 kilometers of racing in possibly the globe's richest location saw Max Verstappen win with Carlos Sainz 2nd and Lando Norris completing the podium positions. This would definitely have to be one of the youngest podiums you will ever see with Carlos Sainz being the oldest of the three at 26 years of age. Coming home in 4th was Checo Perez making it the ideal weekend for Red Bull after they started 2nd and 8th. Even more ideal for the man who was behind Perez - Sebastian Vettel who finished 5th to make it the best finish for the Aston Martin outfit since their introduction to F1 this year. Gasly in 6th, Hamilton in 7th - a very poor race for him, Stroll in 8th, Ocon 9th and a very impressive points finish for Antonio Giovinazzi who rounded out the top 10. 

Now you are probably wondering, where are Charles Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas - 2 of the top 3 starters of the race. It was wretched luck for both of them on Sunday as neither of them finished the race, rather one of them didn't even get to start it. A crash in his second flying lap in Q3 saw his Ferrari take a fair bit of damage resulting in his drive shaft being damaged. The Ferrari mechanics only noticed this as Leclerc made his way to the grid on his installation lap. A horrible feeling for the Monegasque who is yet to finish a home grand prix in his career. While that is indeed bad luck, it was taken to an extreme level for Valtteri Bottas in the grand prix. Running in a comfortable 2nd place he came in to make a pitstop however with an issue on the left wheel nut, his left tyre did not come off and the wheel gun, with its incredible power, machined the metal indents off the wheel nut meaning it was locked into place. You have to feel for Valtteri after he had driven a respectable race and would have brought the Silver Arrows yet another podium. They would have kept their lead in the drivers championship with that 2nd place finish as well. In sport however, anything can happen and that is indeed what we saw yesterday. 

It was a tough day at the office for the other Mclaren of Daniel Ricciardo. Starting in 12th place, he moved further back to finish 13th. It appears his driving style has not been matched by the car he is in and that more work will need to be done to get to that stage. We know how brilliant of a driver he is so definitely do not discount him from the upcoming races. A similar story was the case at Alpine with Esteban Ocon finishing in the points and his championship winning teammate Fernando Alonso out of the points. It has been a tough comeback for the Spaniard but there is plenty more time as this is only the 5th race of the season. 

The greatest disappointment this weekend though must go to the reigning world champions - Mercedes Petronas AMG. From the get go it had been a tough time for them with Hamilton not even disturbing the front runners but Bottas still in the mix. Qualifying 3rd and 7th it was the first time none of them had made the front row. In comparison to the previous Spanish Grand Prix their strategy didn't pay off, their pit crew weren't up to the mark, an overall disheartening weekend for the team from Brackley. I'm sure they will make a strong comeback in 2 weeks time when we hit the streets of Azerbaijan once again. 

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most historical races in Formula 1. Call it one of the Majors like in Golf, one of the Grand Slams like in Tennis, a World Series game in Baseball. It holds a very special place in the hearts of all F1 fans. However many believe that it is a very boring race - from my own experience, the 3 people I was watching it with fell asleep during the race for extended periods of time. The lack of overtaking ability does make it tough to watch at times, but I was reminded that the skill and sheer concentration required on a circuit like this is why these guys are the pinnacle of motorsport. A friend reminded me that when you actually go to Monaco to watch the race, it makes you realise how significant of a race it really is. Yes there may not be as many overtakes, yes it may be whoever qualifies first will probably win the race but at the end of the day it is known to be one of the greatest races for a reason. You just have to admire the sheer driving capability of these drivers.

There will be plenty to play for in 2 weeks time as we head to Azerbaijan. A much faster street circuit may give the Merc's a chance to regain their lead in both championships. It will be redemption day for them, Charles Leclerc and Danny Ric for sure. Till then, stay safe and stay fast.