PADDOCK INSIDER: Monaco is one of F1's great challenges – and it's where Red Bull's rivals will feel they are beatable

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 25: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talksMONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 25: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Oracle Red Bull Racing during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Monaco is one of Formula 1’s great challenges. The traffic is monstrous – and that’s just when you’ve got 20 cars fighting for position around the tight, twisty and barrier-lined street track.

Drivers need to beware of slower cars when on a hot lap – no easy feat when there are several blind corners and only a narrow path to thread your way past. Misjudge and it’s lap over. There’s a bottleneck in the final segment during qualifying, too, as drivers back up to give themselves some clear air to push for a flying lap.