Monaco GP: the major talking points ahead of fifth F1 race of the season

The 2021 Formula 1 season continues this weekend with the historic Monaco Grand Prix. Notably, the Monaco GP makes a comeback to the calendar after a coronavirus-induced absence in 2020. Lewis Hamilton won the last race held at Monaco in 2019, holding off Max Verstappen for a well-earned win. It is both these men who enter this race as favourites to win it. Interestingly, Verstappen has never won a race in Monaco; his best finish being a fourth place. However, given how Red Bull have fared thus far in the season, they come into this race as favourites. But Mercedes can never be taken lightly.

Here are the major talking points going into the fifth race of the 2021 F1 season.

Hamilton vs Verstappen could be more intense

The title battle between Hamilton and Verstappen has lacked a major flashpoint thus far. Both drivers share a mutual respect and any racing action between the two has been hard but fair. However, this could well be the weekend things get kicked into the next gear.

Hamilton stoked the flames when, during a press conference, said his rival drives like he has something to prove. Verstappen countered that wasn’t the case. Yet both like to race hard and Monaco is a street circuit that doesn’t offer much in the way of overtaking. Things are building to an intense front-field battle.

Qualfying holds key for Monaco GP

Speaking of a lack of overtaking, this is what makes qualifying more important than ever. Monaco has a long history of racers winning from pole. The narrow yet technically challenging circuit makes overtaking harder than normal. Thus, expect the driver’s to push harder come Saturday.

Red Bull started the season as superior qualifiers, but Mercedes and Hamilton have caught up. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have also been putting in the work on Saturdays so far this season. Whoever wins up in front of the grid will already start at a siginificant advantage.

Who pulls clear in midfield?

Like 2020, the midfield battle between the teams has thus far been too close to call. Ferrari and McLaren are the frontrunners but Alpine have made some strides in recent times. The early money would be on these three teams setting the pace behind the frontrunners.

However, anyone who wants to discount AlphaTauri should do so at their own peril. The Red Bull feeder team have a habit of pulling out winning performances when least expected. Aston Martin are the clear backrunners, but a decent update or two – as well as better performances from Sebastian Vettel – could make a difference.

What about best of the rest at Monaco GP?

The three teams yet to get any points on the board are Williams, Alfa Romeo and Haas. Of these three, the team likeliest to struggle would be Haas. This is mainly because they possess two rookie drivers, one of whom – Nikita Mazepin – has developed an unfortunate habit of spinning at crucial moments.

Kimi Raikkonen could spring a surprise in the Alfa Romeo, while George Rusell always does more than possible to get the best out of the Williams. It remains unlikely any of these teams will notch points, but some good hard racing could be seen as a sign of progress – however small.