F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Monaco Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?

As a high-downforce venue, Monaco's legendary track puts very little premium on top speed, which isn't to say that the latter is negligible.

The street circuit's 'Nouvelle Chicane' is arguably the only real spot where a driver is offered a reasonable opportunity of overtaking a rival. So velocity through the tunnel and beyond is important to pull off the always bold feat.

In 2019, Charles Leclerc clocked through the speed trap located just before the braking zone for the 'Nouvelle Chicane' at a whopping 325 km/h.

But this year, F1's new aero rules have significantly reduced every one's momentum through Monaco's tunnel as the speed trap numbers show.

However, there's little to read into the numbers in terms of relative performance between the teams, but McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo, who qualified P12, nevertheless recorded a top speed of 287.6 km/h in qualifying.

But the velocity spread between fastest and slowest was just over 7 km/h, which perhaps implies that overtaking opportunities at the 'Nouvelle Chicane' will be few and far between, potentially leaving fans with a Sunday afternoon snooze fest.

But then again, it's Monaco baby! Where anything goes…

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Leclerc assigned new Ferrari race engineer from Imola

Ferrari has announced a shift in Charles Leclerc’s technical team from next week’s Emilia Romagna…

9 hours ago

Ferrari trials F1 spray guards at FIA test in Fiorano

Ferrari trialed in Fiorano on Thursday, under the supervision of the FIA, a new design…

10 hours ago

Piastri: Magnussen candor on Miami penalties sets ‘risky precedent’

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri believes that Kevin Magnussen bluntly admitting to resorting to unsportsmanlike tactics in…

12 hours ago

Red Bull to unleash Newey-designed RB17 Hypercar at Goodwood

Red Bull has announced that motorsport enthusiasts will be treated to a spectacular unveiling at…

13 hours ago

United Colors of Benetton... and Pirelli!

In today's Formula 1, the discernible sidewall colours of Pirelli's tyres identifies the manufacturer's specific…

14 hours ago

A final farewell: Celebrating the life of Sir Stirling Moss

A fitting star-studded gathering, including F1 legends Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell, convened…

15 hours ago