2021 Monaco Grand Prix - Monte Carlo, May 20 - 23

**nani_s23** · 20th May 2021, 19:31

Mercedes Shovlin: "You don't have to study the timing sheets at all to figure out that Ferrari is seriously fast here and a contender to win this weekend."

@LandoNorris predicts: "I texted Carlos earlier in the week: You're going to win this race."

**nani_s23** · 20th May 2021, 19:35

"Charles Leclerc set his best lap time 1:11.684s on his seventh lap with the soft tyres. His ideal lap would have been even faster than that: 1:11.566s.Leclerc drives up the hill to the casino 10 to 15 km/h faster than Verstappen and Hamilton. In the tunnel, his speed advantage goes down to 2 km/h. Leclerc loses time against his rivals at Sainte Dévote, Hamilton in the second swimming pool chicane.Comparing the two Ferrari teammates: Leclerc is faster in the upper Portier corner, the Port chicane, the Tabac corner and Rascasse, Sainz in Sainte Dévote and in the Swimming Pool passage.

#AMus

**330 p4** · 20th May 2021, 21:02

Originally Posted by wisepie

If the track characteristics give Ferrari the chance of a podium or, dare I even think it, a victory, I'm sure we'd all be over the moon. But it is what it is, and seeing us P1/2 in FP2 is a real credit to the team and the two Charlies. Sadly it is only practice!

Yea but the best practice of the year to do this. Normally reality bites the next day but at Monaco we get a whole extra day to dream.

**TTRSMAD** · 21st May 2021, 01:11

I really enjoy seeing the SF21 on the streets of Monaco. The turn in of this car is effortless and its awesome. Reminds me of short based SF70H. Hopefully the result is going to be the same ;)

**From Treviso** · 21st May 2021, 02:02

Charles' fast lap FP2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyqhFuwKg4M

**nani_s23** · 21st May 2021, 02:27

Binotto on the topic of Red Bull hiring engineers from other teams: "In the last three years more than 30 engineers have been hired from other teams. Red Bull is announcing it, while we are doing it without making it known."

#Corriere

**Ferrarichamp** · 21st May 2021, 07:27

Originally Posted by nani_s23

Mercedes Shovlin: "You don't have to study the timing sheets at all to figure out that Ferrari is seriously fast here and a contender to win this weekend."

@LandoNorris predicts: "I texted Carlos earlier in the week: You're going to win this race."

interesting prediction by Lando, let's hope he's right!

**patrese86** · 21st May 2021, 08:02

I'll be happy with a podium and I think we have a good chance! Obviously ecstatic with a win and there's a small chance of that if things fall our way also

**gump1480** · 21st May 2021, 10:20

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/84670...in-monaco.html

Let's wait till Q3 ...so many times our dreams have been quashed.

**458 Italia** · 21st May 2021, 12:35

Meh. Will stick to the Giro d'Italia this weekend I think.

**alfaromeo** · 21st May 2021, 17:09

Can anyone tell me leclerk gear change or will he get a penalty or not ???

**SS454** · 21st May 2021, 17:57

A driver that can come out and get into a groove quickly can have an advantage throughout the rest of the weekend.

However, in the end Ferrari will not have the pace to compete with Mercedes or Red Bull in Qualifying, or the race. Ferrari were something like 10-15 kph faster than Mercedes going up the hill. Mercedes are sand bagging big time.

**Ferrarichamp** · 21st May 2021, 18:56

Originally Posted by SS454

A driver that can come out and get into a groove quickly can have an advantage throughout the rest of the weekend.

However, in the end Ferrari will not have the pace to compete with Mercedes or Red Bull in Qualifying, or the race. Ferrari were something like 10-15 kph faster than Mercedes going up the hill. Mercedes are sand bagging big time.

what do they gain by sandbagging?

**SS454** · 21st May 2021, 19:39

Originally Posted by Ferrarichamp

what do they gain by sandbagging?

Engine turned down typically helps reliability. Also Monaco can be quite hard on transmissions, so turning the engine and ERS modes down it can be easier on the trans and diff.

Also given the track conditions it's logical Mercedes was doing runs with heavier fuel loads which would translate to the race

Ferrari is almost certainly putting all their focus on qualifying as grid position is critical, and a slower car can finish ahead of faster cars if they qualify ahead.

**ntukza** · 21st May 2021, 20:49

Originally Posted by gump1480

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/84670...in-monaco.html

Let's wait till Q3 ...so many times our dreams have been quashed.

Yeah and also, this is Monaco. Someone's going to put it in the wall and ruin it for everyone else, not to mention traffic. Qualifying might not be straightforward regardless of who's faster than who. Anything can happen. Let's hope for the best. However, it goes without saying that it's absolutely fantastic to see our cars at the top end of FP2. Without a doubt.

**chinmay** · 22nd May 2021, 06:18

If Perez messes up his lap then P4 is possible otherwise one shouldn't expect anything more than third row.

**Brembo** · 22nd May 2021, 06:32

I don't think Max or Merc drivers are thinking just 3rd or 4th row. Charles and Saintz on podium is all I'm thinking about.

Toothlessrage* · 22nd May 2021, 06:36

Originally Posted by ntukza

Yeah and also, this is Monaco. Someone's going to put it in the wall and ruin it for everyone else, not to mention traffic. Qualifying might not be straightforward regardless of who's faster than who. Anything can happen. Let's hope for the best. However, it goes without saying that it's absolutely fantastic to see our cars at the top end of FP2. Without a doubt.

Well, crashing is a given.
Either one of the Hass machines for sure.

**chinmay** · 22nd May 2021, 07:43

Originally Posted by Brembo

I don't think Max or Merc drivers are thinking just 3rd or 4th row. Charles and Saintz on podium is all I'm thinking about.

Max and Merc drivers are thinking about pole. Perez is thinking about getting P4. Podium looks out of reach for either Leclerc or Sainz.

**BRP** · 22nd May 2021, 08:20

Charles P2 Sainz P4

Originally Posted by chinmay

Max and Merc drivers are thinking about pole. Perez is thinking about getting P4. Podium looks out of reach for either Leclerc or Sainz.

**Ferrarichamp** · 22nd May 2021, 08:21

Originally Posted by chinmay

Max and Merc drivers are thinking about pole. Perez is thinking about getting P4. Podium looks out of reach for either Leclerc or Sainz.

so what is your prediction for the race win? RB or Merc?

**chinmay** · 22nd May 2021, 10:27

Originally Posted by Ferrarichamp

so what is your prediction for the race win? RB or Merc?

Hamilton 1st, Verstappen 2nd, Bottas 3rd, Perez/Leclerc/Sainz 4th.

**tifosi1993** · 22nd May 2021, 10:32

Ideal lap times (Top 3, so far)

Sainz: 1m14.452

Verstappen: 1m14.485

Leclerc: 1m14.443

**KimiBot** · 22nd May 2021, 10:32

Pole lap 2019 1.10.1, so maybe Mercs is 2 sec slower than 2019 or maybe not.

**elnano14** · 22nd May 2021, 10:49

Mercedes have troubles with rear end

**Tifoso Svedese** · 22nd May 2021, 11:01

Looks like a decent pole chance and a strong chance of two cars inside the front three.

All depends on nailing the Q3 final lap and might have some luck with traffic.

**KimiBot** · 22nd May 2021, 11:02

Yes, Hamilton fighting with Kimi, lol Ham P7 Kimi P8
I am sure that is true picture of reality.

**nani_s23** · 22nd May 2021, 11:02

Originally Posted by KimiBot

Pole lap 2019 1.10.1, so maybe Mercs is 2 sec slower than 2019 or maybe not.

It’s always struggle for them at this track given it’s longer wheel base.

I think pole is between Sainz Vs Max vs leclerc.

Going into quali Max have some edge given quali modes & Honda engine power.