F1 2022: Monaco
One of the most iconic tracks on the calendar is definitely Monaco. This weekend did not disappoint!
Qualifying was plagued with the usual drama and red flags, including one red flag that I’m still not 100% sure why it was even deployed.. some drivers were unlucky enough to have their final flying laps ruined by a shunt involving Perez (and subsequently Sainz) right at the end of Q3.
With a slightly muddled grid order going into Sunday, all eyes turned to the weather forecast. All running up until this point had been in the dry, with things looking slightly gloomy on Sunday’s forecast. Sure enough, right after the national anthem, a downpour started resulting in an initial ten minute delay to proceedings, later extended to an indefinite delay to allow the rain to pass. Drivers did one lap behind the safety car before the race was red flagged and deemed too unsafe. Fans and drivers alike were left in the dark a bit, wondering when a call would be made, whether the safety car would do some laps to test the track, but all was pretty silent from the inexperienced race directors at race control. After a delay of over one hour, we finally got going again..
It wasn’t raining, but the track was definitely still wet. What became the most interesting point to follow was the pit stop strategy. Drivers were forced to start on extreme wet tyres as the race was restarted behind the safety car. As the track dried, some opted to go onto intermediate tyres to try to get some pace back. Others stuck out longer, going from extreme wets onto slick dry tyres. Ferrari were the ones who ultimately lost out during this period, with hometown pole position hero Charles Leclerc going from the front of the pack down to fourth place. Red Bull made gains, and ended up splitting both Ferrari cars.
You have to feel sorry for Leclerc. This was the first time he’s finished his home race, and his best chance for at least a podium.. yet, due to a pit stop call which was outside of his control, he suffered and ended the race in fourth. Perez, after his shunt in qualifying, had a great race, bringing home maximum points and extending his contract until 2024. We’ll deserved indeed!
