F1 News, Reports and Race Results

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

It’s the most iconic and challenging track in Grand Prix racing, with as many pitfalls as it has corners, one of which is the slowest in F1.

But there's one thing justifiably missing from Monaco's layout: a long straight.

Therefore, top speed isn't a priority in the Principality where teams run the maximum level of downforce possible, but that doesn't mean that velocity 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 odd overtake into the chicane.

This year's wholesale regulation changes haven't impacted the field's top speed at Monaco, where the numbers have remained the same on average compared to 2021.

While there is perhaps little to read into the speed trap numbers registered between the exit of the tunnel and the chicane, we'll note that Mercedes' already challenged W13 is predictably among the laggards in terms of top speed.

With a spread between the fastest, Mick Schumacher, and the slowest, Fernando Alonso, of just 7 kph, overtaking opportunities down by the harbour's chicane could be few and far between, potentially leaving fans with a Sunday afternoon snooze fest, at least if it's dry.

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

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Remembering Schumacher's stage entrance, 35 years on

For many, he was just a young hopeful awarded a lucky F1 break, but for…

54 minutes ago

Gasly fumes at Racing Bulls drivers: 'I have a good memory'

Pierre Gasly left Zandvoort with more than just frustration over Alpine’s missed opportunity, taking aim…

2 hours ago

Netflix extends F1 journey with Drive to Survive season 9

Netflix is keeping the Formula 1 cameras rolling, with the streaming giant confirming that Drive…

3 hours ago

Lawson earns Mekies praise after strong Red Bull return

Laurent Mekies has given Liam Lawson a ringing endorsement after the Kiwi made the most…

4 hours ago

Vasseur responds to Ferrari drivers’ Dutch GP strategy fury

Fred Vasseur has heard the criticism. He has heard Lewis Hamilton’s frustration, Charles Leclerc’s confusion…

6 hours ago

Wolff’s shock Mercedes admission: ‘We haven’t got the money’

Toto Wolff has delivered a remarkably blunt explanation for Mercedes’ recent slide, admitting that the…

21 hours ago