2023AnalysisMonaco

DATA POINTS: What we learned from Friday practice in Monaco

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-23 and OscarMONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-23 and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL60 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Monaco looked resplendent as Friday practice got underway on perhaps the most famous racing circuit of them all. And it delivered a tasty series of lap times to suggest we have at least three teams – maybe even four – in with a shout of taking pole position.

Ferrari hold the edge over Red Bull on one-lap pace

Ask anyone in the F1 paddock and they will tell you that when it comes to preparing the car for Monaco, the focus is on qualifying pace because a good grid slot is so important on a track where it is very, very challenging to overtake.