Race 8 - 2025 Monaco GP

[Nitrodaze]

We head back to the glitzy principality of Monaco. A mandatory two-stop strategy has been imposed for this race. The teams must run at least two tyre compounds. The supersoft C6 tyres are also available this weekend, but it was tricky to use at Imola. Chances are, it may be seen only during qualifying and free practice.

Charles LeClerc won this race last time, but the SF25 does not seem to have the potency of its previous incarnation. All indications are that there will be a new winner of the Monaco GP, but who?

The weather forecast is suggesting that it may be a dry race, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Sunny with spells of overcast. A Mercedes-friendly weather, you might say.

McLaren is showing vulnerability in qualifying. Hence, this is a race that may be won by any one of the front runners. Hence, an Antonelli win is very much on the cards. McLaren would be seeking to bounce back from their thrashing by Verstappen and Redbull at Imola. Verstappen would be seeking to eat further into the Piastri championship lead. The driver's championship continues to be on the balance with four drivers very much in contention. Piastrio may be in the lead of the championship, but he is by no means comfortably ahead. Monaco presents a possibility that a new twist may emerge this weekend.

Verstappen showed Piastri he still has much to learn at Imola. A painful lesson for the young Australian. But the painful lessons are the ones that stick the longest in the mind. More importantly, Verstappen showcased why he is the most relevant racer in this ground-effect era. Unfortunately, McLaren is looking like their own worst enemy as they are once again slow to read and react to the moments of the race at Imola. To some extent, they gifted Verstappen an easy win when they could have made it as awkward as possible to see what was possible. Monaco is unforgiving, hence any weakness would be greatly exploited by the competition. Therefore, all teams would need to be at their best operationally or face disappointment at this race.

Ferrari showed flashes of great race pace at Imola. One wonders if the street circuit of Monaco may favour the SF25. Hence, we cannot rule out another LeClerc win this weekend.