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

'Unfinished business': Verstappen sets his sights on Singapore win

Max Verstappen admits he has “unfinished business” in Singapore, and the Red Bull driver is…

1 hour ago

The long-awaited end to Ferrari's 21-year barren run

On this day in 2000, Michael Schumacher brought the Drivers' title back to the House…

2 hours ago

Hamilton defends Ferrari, questions why team gets ‘far more flak’

Lewis Hamilton has questioned why Ferrari appears to attract more criticism than any other team…

3 hours ago

Russell reverts to old Mercedes spec in ‘no-brainer’ call

Mercedes is deliberately splitting its car specifications for this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix as it…

4 hours ago

Norris reveals McLaren’s frantic push to cure top speed deficit

Lando Norris is hoping McLaren’s frantic post-Sepang homework will finally put an end to a…

6 hours ago

FIA unveils probe findings into Sepang software glitch and fix

The FIA has completed its formal investigation into the wet-weather software glitch that severely disrupted…

7 hours ago