Disrupted start for two F1 teams
There was an unwelcome distraction for McLaren and Alpine on Thursday as a tight turnaround from Imola and subsequent delays led to difficulties fitting their campers into the Monaco paddock. Both structures were still under construction as the day’s activities began, with McLaren’s TeamHub looking like a skeleton for much of Thursday. As a result, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s press briefings were moved to television.
Due to the restrictive nature of the Monaco paddock, and unlike all other European races, a unique construction order is implemented. This way, teams can only start preparing when the team in front of them is ready. Sources informed Crash.net that McLaren was particularly late arriving and setting up, which had knock-on effects for rival teams including Alpine.
Red Bull downplays its chances
Sergio Perez has named Ferrari and McLaren as favorites for the Monaco weekend, saying “they will be very difficult to beat”. The Mexican expects “the other teams to be a surprise” given the slim margins seen in qualifying so far this year. His teammate and world championship leader Max Verstappen also predicts a tough weekend for Red Bull.
Sainz coy on Mercedes rumors
Carlos Sainz has refused to confirm or deny reports suggesting Mercedes will no longer be an option for him in 2025. The outgoing Ferrari driver insists he has set no time frame for a decision, but admitted that “everyone depends on everyone” as things currently stand. on the market. However, Sainz is determined not to let the best competitive opportunity slip through his fingers.
Positive noises from Bottas
Valtteri Bottas revealed he wasn’t just ‘talking to one team’ about training for 2025, but had a ‘clear priority’. Although the Finn would not give further information, he is said to be keen to join Williams, where he will reunite with former Mercedes head of strategy James Vowles, with whom he was spotted speaking in the Williams motorhome last week in Imola. .
Meanwhile, Logan Sargeant, under pressure, admitted he couldn’t control the timing of his future. But the American says he feels “extremely” close to reaching the level required to retain his seat at Williams.
What is most likely for Hamilton?
When asked if he was more likely to learn Italian before switching Ferraris or getting on the podium this year, Lewis Hamilton jokingly replied: “Neither.” Hamilton said “learning Italian will probably be the hardest”, but then backtracked, adding: “At the moment I think getting on the podium is the least likely.” »
Monaco is always special
Daniel Ricciardo has provided a fascinating insight into what it’s like to drive an F1 car on the streets of Monte Carlo. “It’s so scary and beautiful and crazy and intense that it’s like one of the greatest experiences of life, you know what I mean? It’s hard to feel a feeling like that. And I’m really excited to have this opportunity again You know, it’s the coolest thing,” he said.
Fernando Alonso said the Monaco Grand Prix was “one of the best moments of the season” leading up to race day. “The whole weekend is very special,” he explained. “Maybe only Sunday is the wrong day, let’s say. the sessions are very interesting. Questions have been asked about Monaco’s place in the calendar and whether F1 has outgrown the venue these last years.
The F1 Oscars
On the same weekend of the 24th Cannes Film Festival, some F1 drivers’ favorite films were revealed at Thursday’s press conference.
Charles Leclerc’s is Harry Potter, Esteban Ocon said The Dark Knight Rises, George Russell chose Casino Royale, Max Verstappen chose Wolff from Wall Street or The Hangover, Yuki Tsunoda said Transporter and Alex Albon chose The Grand Budapest Hotel .
