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

Zak Brown fires back at Australian politician’s bias claim

McLaren boss Zak Brown has brushed off a claim from Australian senator Matt Canavan that…

31 mins ago

Abu Dhabi GP: Norris comfortably tops FP2 from Verstappen

Lando Norris closed out Friday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with authority, topping the…

57 mins ago

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina,…

1 hour ago

Sutil denies fraud allegations, lawyer claims he’s a victim

Intrigue is swirling around Adrian Sutil after the former Grand Prix driver was arrested in…

2 hours ago

A final farewell to motorsport’s single Triple Crown winner

On this day in 1975, a somber mood enveloped St Albans Abbey in Hertfordshire as…

3 hours ago

Russell on McLaren’s team-order talk: ‘Not acceptable or fair’

As Abu Dhabi prepares to crown a world champion, McLaren has finally cracked the door…

4 hours ago