After an exhilarating first race of the triple header in Imola, the paddock makes the comparatively quick drive alongside the Mediterranean coast to a different of its most iconic places. With simply 22 factors protecting the highest three drivers within the championship and new guidelines designed so as to add extra variation to the racing, there’s lots to get enthusiastic about forward of Monaco…
1. Title combat closing up
You could be forgiven for seeing the Miami Grand Prix and believing it was sure to develop into a two-horse race between the McLaren pair for the drivers’ championship this yr, such was the benefit that Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris had over the remainder of the sphere.
Quick-forward two weeks, and Imola completely modified that feeling as soon as once more. Max Verstappen continues to be a risk in qualifying, however this time he additionally had a automobile that was aggressive in race trim on every kind of tyre compounds. As soon as within the lead after his sensible transfer on Piastri at Tamburello (see the clip under), he by no means appeared troubled.
With Norris taking three factors off Piastri himself, the highest three drivers all closed up within the standings, with Piastri’s lead lower to 13 factors forward of his crew mate, and Verstappen simply 22 adrift. You don’t want me to let you know that’s lower than a race victory, and any one of many three might go away Monaco within the lead.
Purple Bull introduced upgrades to the final two races, and whereas their type appears to be like like it is going to nonetheless ebb and movement somewhat, with Verstappen so often choosing up strong factors he’s exhibiting himself absolutely able to remaining within the championship battle all through.