As a high-downforce venue, Monaco's legendary track puts very little premium on top speed, which isn't to say that maximum velocity doesn't matter.
The street circuit's 'Nouvelle Chicane' is arguably the only spot where a driver is offered a reasonable opportunity of overtaking a rival.
So, a car's speed through the tunnel and beyond is important to pull off the always bold feat.
The speed delta between the fastest and slowest runners in the field is significantly reduced in Monte Carlo, precisely because everyone runs their car in a high downforce configuration to maximize grip and stability through the circuit's tight and twisty corners.
Nevertheless, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz – who qualified fifth – gets bragging rights for setting the fastest top speed in qualifying as measured on the run down to the harbor's chicane.
But the Spaniard's 286 km/h velocity was 'only' a little over 5 km/h quicker than the slowest car to exit the tunnel, the Mercedes of George Russell.
Fernando Alonso lost out to Max Verstappen in Saturday's titanic battle for pole, and as one can see, the Red Bull charger bolted out of the tunnel faster than the Spaniard.
But that wasn't where Verstappen defeated his rival as Alonso was quicker than Max in Sector 2 on his final flyer in Q3.
The Aston Martin even held its edge until mid-way through the Swimming Pool complex according to GPS data.
In fact, Max overhauled Alonso as late as the entry into Rascasse, crossing the line with a mere 0.084s advantage over the combative F1 veteran.
All eyes will be on the two drivers when they blast off the grid on Sunday afternoon. And Alonso will likely be praying Ste Devote that he beats his rival to the first corner.
Check out this really cool qualifying lap comparison between Verstappen and Alonso put together by Formula Addict.
Monaco Grand Prix lap time comparison between Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso#MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/RrZksGJbWC
— FORMULA ADDICT (@Formuladdict) May 28, 2023
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