Shows Monaco isn't really suitable for modern day racing, how a car with only 80% of the power can win in this day and age is beyond me.
Any other track and the rest are blasting past, some say that's the magic of Monte Carlo, I say it's not a race any more but a procession of cars in a showcase, may as well turn it into a Monaco festival of speed!
If it was proposed as a new race now, they’d just laugh at it.
The Monaco GP is the most overrated event on the sporting calendar. The commentators love it because they get to party in Monte Carlo for 5 days. The pundits love it because they used to drive around it and the drivers like it because it is a challenging drive or at least was before it became all about minimizing the number of pit stops. For spectators though, well I’m sure there is fun to be had to if you are actually there at a party, but it’s the party that is fun, not the race.
Watching on the TV is about as exciting as watching an M25 traffic camera during rush hour. The commentators were gettin all excited about the wear on the different tyre compounds and Riciardo’s power loss but you could almost win that race in a ford Sierra as long as you’re on pole so the race order was decided after the first pit stops. One proper overtake from Verstappen and even that was debatably legal.
It is part of F1 folklore and tradition. Qualifying is very important. It can still be eventful as previous years have shown. Whilst Ricciardo deserves lots of credit, we didn't really see his struggles and Vettel never really looked seriously likely to pass him.
F1 is better for having Monaco, but it wouldn't want any other race like it!
Shows Monaco isn't really suitable for modern day racing, how a car with only 80% of the power can win in this day and age is beyond me.
Any other track and the rest are blasting past, some say that's the magic of Monte Carlo, I say it's not a race any more but a procession of cars in a showcase, may as well turn it into a Monaco festival of speed!
Quite. You can watch the start, fall asleep, wake up on the last lap and miss pretty much nothing. Monte Carlo makes snooker exciting.
There are different extremes and there are going to be marginal tracks but there are some that are going to benefit Mercedes and some Ferrari. Red Bull are useful to Mercedes as the tracks they will shine on are likely to be tracks that Ferrari are stronger than Mercedes.
What I think the season is showing is that Mercedes has a slight advantage on the quicker circuits but the Ferrari is close and is better balanced. But given the Mercedes has Hamilton, he is a driver who will maximise the slight advantage where it occurs. Fewer/faster corners are their preference.
Discounting Red Bull, the following circuits will probably suit Mercedes to varying degrees: Italy, France, Great Britain, Canada, Mexico, Hungary, closer but possibly Russia and Germany. Spain would have been on that list and Hamilton won that reasonably comfortably.
In terms of Ferrari you are possibly looking at: USA, Belgium, Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Austria, Singapore, Japan and possibly Azerbaijan. Monaco and China would firmly be on that list, but Red bull won them both and Hamilton gained 3 more points in those two races than Vettel without winning them!
There are two reasons why I think Hamilton will win the Championship. 1) He is the best all round driver and that is accepting that Vettel is not too far behind him. And 2) Red Bull are going to take points from Ferrari in their stronger circuits. I think if you put Hamilton in the Ferrari he probably wins the title so it is close and a few non finishes in stronger tracks for either team will hurt. But I think Hamilton will be delighted with today - Monaco was probably Mercedes' worst circuit.
The case I would make for Vettel is that he is a great driver and has marginally the better car. It will be close, I am sure.
If Red Bull had the same engine as Hamilton or Vettel they would probably walk it. But sadly for them they don't.
The Monaco GP is the most overrated event on the sporting calendar. The commentators love it because they get to party in Monte Carlo for 5 days. The pundits love it because they used to drive around it and the drivers like it because it is a challenging drive or at least was before tit became all about minimizing the number of pit stops. For spectators though, we’ll I’m sure there is fun to be had to if you are actually there at a party, but it’s the party that is fun, not the race.
Watching on the TV is about as exciting as watching an M25 traffic camera during rush hour. The commentators were gettin all excited about the wear on the different tyre compounds and Riciardo’s power loss but you could almost win that race in a ford Sierra as long as you’re on pole so the race order was decided after the first pit stops. One proper overtake from Verstappen and even that was debatably legal.
Believe it or not thats the 1st time the person on pole has won since 2014
Monaco is virtually impossible to overtake on via the track, but tyres and strategies are other ways to do so. There have been some excellent races there in recent times.
The Monaco GP is the most overrated event on the sporting calendar. The commentators love it because they get to party in Monte Carlo for 5 days. The pundits love it because they used to drive around it and the drivers like it because it is a challenging drive or at least was before tit became all about minimizing the number of pit stops. For spectators though, we’ll I’m sure there is fun to be had to if you are actually there at a party, but it’s the party that is fun, not the race.
Watching on the TV is about as exciting as watching an M25 traffic camera during rush hour. The commentators were gettin all excited about the wear on the different tyre compounds and Riciardo’s power loss but you could almost win that race in a ford Sierra as long as you’re on pole so the race order was decided after the first pit stops. One proper overtake from Verstappen and even that was debatably legal.
Believe it or not thats the 1st time the person on pole has won since 2014
2015 Hamilton pitted when he didn’t need to. 2016 Red Bull had the wrong tyres waiting for Riciardo when he pitted. 2017 was either a bad strategy call be Raikonen’s team or a deliberate move by Ferrari to allow Vettel to get ahead of his team mate. So yes, it’s true the pole sitter did not win but due to somewhat freak circumstances rather than all out racing and, those brief moments of interest aside, everyone just drive around following the car in front for the remaining 70 odd laps, same as every year.
It’s always been a dull race, but the current tyres have made it even worse. Everyone knows track position is everything at Monaco so no one will risk anything other than a 1 stop strategy. The tyres are so fragile that even the hardest available compound has to be nursed home so you have the leader driving at 80% pace and everyone else just following suit because there is no way to pass. F1 can be open to criticism about the lack of action at the best of times, but Monaco takes it to a new level. Even the drivers are starting to say they are bored by it.
The tradition is all well and good, and it’d be hard to take it off the calendar all together, but I think the track layout needs a serious review to try and make it more suited to racing in a modern F1 car.
It’s always been a dull race, but the current tyres have made it even worse. Everyone knows track position is everything at Monaco so no one will risk anything other than a 1 stop strategy. The tyres are so fragile that even the hardest available compound has to be nursed home so you have the leader driving at 80% pace and everyone else just following suit because there is no way to pass. F1 can be open to criticism about the lack of action at the best of times, but Monaco takes it to a new level. Even the drivers are starting to say they are bored by it.
The tradition is all well and good, and it’d be hard to take it off the calendar all together, but I think the track layout needs a serious review to try and make it more suited to racing in a modern F1 car.
Maybe no longer close the roads to the public, that would liven it up a bit
The Monaco GP is without doubt a tedious part of tedious sport but it is unquestionably the most glamorous sporting event in the world. Most of us would never get to attend and even if we did would not be anyway involved in the inner circle. Monte Carlo is the global millionaires playground. I have no interest in F1 but if offered a helicopter trip from Nice to Monte Carlo's famous Fairmont Hotel and stay there where you can view qualifying from the pool and then spend the race day on a full VIP package with passes to all areas and champagne flowing free all day I would turn it down. In fact I did exactly that this week. I let my eldest son go instead. He is currently in the world famous Monte Carlo Casino.
The Monaco GP is without doubt a tedious part of tedious sport but it is unquestionably the most glamorous sporting event in the world. Most of us would never get to attend and even if we did would not be anyway involved in the inner circle. Monte Carlo is the global millionaires playground. I have no interest in F1 but if offered a helicopter trip from Nice to Monte Carlo's famous Fairmont Hotel and stay there where you can view qualifying from the pool and then spend the race day on a full VIP package with passes to all areas and champagne flowing free all day I would turn it down. In fact I did exactly that this week. I let my eldest son go instead. He is currently in the world famous Monte Carlo Casino.
I got thrown out of the casino for wearing a T shirt & shorts.
The Monaco GP is without doubt a tedious part of tedious sport but it is unquestionably the most glamorous sporting event in the world. Most of us would never get to attend and even if we did would not be anyway involved in the inner circle. Monte Carlo is the global millionaires playground. I have no interest in F1 but if offered a helicopter trip from Nice to Monte Carlo's famous Fairmont Hotel and stay there where you can view qualifying from the pool and then spend the race day on a full VIP package with passes to all areas and champagne flowing free all day I would turn it down. In fact I did exactly that this week. I let my eldest son go instead. He is currently in the world famous Monte Carlo Casino.
I got thrown out of the casino for wearing a T shirt & shorts.
Over the years been to Silverstone, Spa, Monza, Interlagos and Austin.
Monza superb for atmosphere and the track walk at the end. Twice had seats at the "Primera Curva" where about 80% of the action happens.
Found Austin surprisingly good - well-organised and good racing.
Personally I'm not the biggest fan of Silverstone. Managed to fall asleep during the race once upon a time - blame it on being up since 4.30 to get there and having a few beers. The rhythmic lapping of the cars was like a very loud lullaby...
Next stop Singapore this year.
Monaco on the list for one day, though more as an overall experience, accepting the race is unlikely to be exciting unless it rains.
It is part of F1 folklore and tradition. Qualifying is very important. It can still be eventful as previous years have shown. Whilst Ricciardo deserves lots of credit, we didn't really see his struggles and Vettel never really looked seriously likely to pass him.
F1 is better for having Monaco, but it wouldn't want any other race like it!
Pretty much spot on there muts....it's all about the setting and tradition.
Over the years been to Silverstone, Spa, Monza, Interlagos and Austin.
Monza superb for atmosphere and the track walk at the end. Twice had seats at the "Primera Curva" where about 80% of the action happens.
Found Austin surprisingly good - well-organised and good racing.
Personally I'm not the biggest fan of Silverstone. Managed to fall asleep during the race once upon a time - blame it on being up since 4.30 to get there and having a few beers. The rhythmic lapping of the cars was like a very loud lullaby...
Next stop Singapore this year.
Monaco on the list for one day, though more as an overall experience, accepting the race is unlikely to be exciting unless it rains.
Went to the first ever Singapore Grand Prix, we lived out there at the time and my wife then worked for RBS (who sponsored Williams)......so getting tickets wasn't a problem, a great experience it was to.
John Miles who was the son of the actor Bernard Miles and drove for Lotus for a small number of races. Went in his Capri 2.8i which was exciting, I can tell you.
Sadly he passed away last month. He wasn't a family friend or anything, his son was a similar age to me and he heard I loved F1 and offered to take me. Possibly as company for his son. We went in the British Racing Drivers club area which was exciting.
I've been to quite a few (including Spa and Spain twice each) and did Monaco in the late 80s. 5 of us in a hired Sierra Estate drove down and stayed in a 1* hotel (that had the toilet in the bedroom!) just outside Monaco. Had tickets to a standing area only but could walk into Monaco on race day. Was a terrific experience - more for the occasion and the people watching than the race. The evening before when you can walk along and look at the multi-millionaires on their yachts and the amazing cars everywhere was memorable. The organisers had it tied up - you only got to see what you paid for and they even had large screens in place so you couldn't see any more. Would go again but only if I could afford to do it in style. For racing and sense of speed then Spa is much better. Have also done Monza and the crowds were great - the Italian fans are crazy and as passionate about their motor racing as they are about their football.
Over the years been to Silverstone, Spa, Monza, Interlagos and Austin.
Monza superb for atmosphere and the track walk at the end. Twice had seats at the "Primera Curva" where about 80% of the action happens.
Found Austin surprisingly good - well-organised and good racing.
Personally I'm not the biggest fan of Silverstone. Managed to fall asleep during the race once upon a time - blame it on being up since 4.30 to get there and having a few beers. The rhythmic lapping of the cars was like a very loud lullaby...
Next stop Singapore this year.
Monaco on the list for one day, though more as an overall experience, accepting the race is unlikely to be exciting unless it rains.
Pick your seat carefully in Singapore. The walkabout areas are OK but all you get to see is a fleeting view of the cars after fighting your way to the front. I was in the Padang Grandstand on one occasion and it was just a place to watch the cars whizzing past; no action whatsoever. It says a lot that the people I went with disappeared to The Penny Black well before the end of the race to watch it on TV!
They haven't announced the bands yet but you occasionally get a decent act or two playing, the cost included in the price of the ticket.
Thanks, @Bangkokaddick. I leave the seat/ stand choice to Mr W!
We know from experience that you see less when you're actually there than you do on the TV - similar to golf in that respect - but it's great to be in the middle of the atmosphere. Doubt we'd ever visit Singapore otherwise, for example.
Comments
Watching on the TV is about as exciting as watching an M25 traffic camera during rush hour. The commentators were gettin all excited about the wear on the different tyre compounds and Riciardo’s power loss but you could almost win that race in a ford Sierra as long as you’re on pole so the race order was decided after the first pit stops. One proper overtake from Verstappen and even that was debatably legal.
F1 is better for having Monaco, but it wouldn't want any other race like it!
Monte Carlo makes snooker exciting.
What I think the season is showing is that Mercedes has a slight advantage on the quicker circuits but the Ferrari is close and is better balanced. But given the Mercedes has Hamilton, he is a driver who will maximise the slight advantage where it occurs. Fewer/faster corners are their preference.
Discounting Red Bull, the following circuits will probably suit Mercedes to varying degrees: Italy, France, Great Britain, Canada, Mexico, Hungary, closer but possibly Russia and Germany. Spain would have been on that list and Hamilton won that reasonably comfortably.
In terms of Ferrari you are possibly looking at: USA, Belgium, Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Austria, Singapore, Japan and possibly Azerbaijan. Monaco and China would firmly be on that list, but Red bull won them both and Hamilton gained 3 more points in those two races than Vettel without winning them!
There are two reasons why I think Hamilton will win the Championship. 1) He is the best all round driver and that is accepting that Vettel is not too far behind him. And 2) Red Bull are going to take points from Ferrari in their stronger circuits. I think if you put Hamilton in the Ferrari he probably wins the title so it is close and a few non finishes in stronger tracks for either team will hurt. But I think Hamilton will be delighted with today - Monaco was probably Mercedes' worst circuit.
The case I would make for Vettel is that he is a great driver and has marginally the better car. It will be close, I am sure.
If Red Bull had the same engine as Hamilton or Vettel they would probably walk it. But sadly for them they don't.
Only ever a good race if it rains.
The tradition is all well and good, and it’d be hard to take it off the calendar all together, but I think the track layout needs a serious review to try and make it more suited to racing in a modern F1 car.
The monaco GP is great for the rich, the presenters, sponsors and the drivers, that's about it, mind.
Monza superb for atmosphere and the track walk at the end. Twice had seats at the "Primera Curva" where about 80% of the action happens.
Found Austin surprisingly good - well-organised and good racing.
Personally I'm not the biggest fan of Silverstone. Managed to fall asleep during the race once upon a time - blame it on being up since 4.30 to get there and having a few beers. The rhythmic lapping of the cars was like a very loud lullaby...
Next stop Singapore this year.
Monaco on the list for one day, though more as an overall experience, accepting the race is unlikely to be exciting unless it rains.
They haven't announced the bands yet but you occasionally get a decent act or two playing, the cost included in the price of the ticket.
But I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
We know from experience that you see less when you're actually there than you do on the TV - similar to golf in that respect - but it's great to be in the middle of the atmosphere. Doubt we'd ever visit Singapore otherwise, for example.