(Motorsport) Formula 1 returns to Monaco, the most glamorous destination in the calendar year as reigning champion Max Verstappen leads the title race with a six point advantage over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after the events of the Spanish Grand Prix. Leclerc will be hoping to finish first in Monaco, as he will be racing on his home track and Ferrari definitely have the performance to match and even surpass Red Bull at the iconic track. If that’s not all, Mercedes look fast once again and could be in contention for a podium finish.

The Silver Arrows looked like their old selves in Barcelona with the upgrade package unlocking the pace and stability in the W13. There will be renewed belief in the Mercedes camp despite George Russell being 36 points off Max Verstappen while the Silver Arrows are 75 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors Standings. The Monaco Grand Prix is an iconic race in the Formula 1 calendar, arguably the most famous street race in the world. The track is the narrowest with overtaking notoriously difficult, which means qualifying would be of utmost importance, a factor that Ferrari must capitalise on if they hope to win the race. 

The venue has been hosting Grand Prix’s since 1929 and was part of the inaugural Formula 1 calendar in 1950. Even though the contract for the venue is due to expire at the end of this season, there is no doubt that it will be renewed and is expected to be a part of the F1 calendar in the future. Speaking about the Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said “It's one of the crown jewels of our sport. So I'm not really sure it would be great to lose it. I guess that the difficult part is that the racing itself is not that spectacular. But everyone that goes enjoys it. It is a prime location. It is just that icon status it has, the history that it has that is so appealing to drivers, but also I think to those that are watching." 

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo said “Monaco is just special. For sure the race, it's one of the most tricky circuits to overtake but the weekend experience and just everything that is Monaco is special and unique. I think going there as an F1 driver and having that and experiencing all the emotions that go with competing in Monaco, it's unique. And I'm very, very happy to have that, and have experienced that in my career." Three time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet once described the Monaco track by saying “It's like riding a bicycle around your living room." 

Also read: Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix after Leclerc retires from the race