Being for many the high point of the weekend, few classifications have more meaning and are more special than the Monaco Grand Prix. Even with the threat of rain on Sunday, coming out ahead is a considerable positional and strategic advantage that all teams want and desire, and this matchup sometimes lends itself to surprising circumstances, even between the more established contenders.
That’s the lifeline they cling to Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez, whose status as sidekicks in the championship fight between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen could be completely altered today if they manage to take pole position. Both have been very fast and on par with their teammates, although all the signs seem to place the local Leclerc half a step above. He will depend first of all on his ability, in a circuit that has always eluded him since his Formula 2 stage.
Surprises? Not so much…
The expected surprises have not fully materialized. In fact, the anticipated jump in quality of Mercedes in a circuit where its weaknesses should be less noticeable has not occurred, at least not to fight face to face with Mercedes and Ferrari. A priori, the main opposition of the silver arrows seems to be in AlphaTauriwith both drivers very well placed so far, and in the McLaren of a Lando Norris that tonsillitis has not been able to stop.
Being among the top 10, as has happened in the last two free practices, is what he hopes to achieve Fernando Alonso at the wheel of his Alpine. The Spanish driver will have to deal with the attempts of Aston Martin and Haas, the teams that could most complicate his presence in Q3, and the obtaining of points so necessary to cover the bloodletting (30-4) favorable to his partner Esteban Ocon. All this, as long as Alpine does not fall victim to traffic again in Q1…
From the overcut with which Sebastian Vettel left Kimi Räikkönen without a win in 2017, the last three editions were won by the driver who topped the grid. This practically coincides with the increase in the size of the cars and with the drastic decrease in the already scarce overtaking that took place every year on this track, which did not occur at all in 2021. For all this and much more, the pole today will have the feeling of being more than just a pole position.