© Vladimir RysCircuit Scout: MonacoWhat an F1 driver thinks of one of the most historic and iconic race tracks in motorsport.
Askanyonetonameafamousracelocationandevenpeoplethataren’tmotorsportfans(theydoexist!)willprobablynameMonaco.Itisarguablythemostfamouslocationforracingontheentirecalendar,andifit’snotthemostfamous,it’scertainlythemostglamorous.
And after not being able to race there last year, everyone is excited to be returning to Monte Carlo for the Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco 2021. The circuit has been on the calendar since 1950 and has only failed to make an appearance three times in the 71-year history. It can even claim its first motorsport event dating back to 1929.
The circuit has gone through many configuration changes over the years, but in its current guise the course is 3.337km long and this year will see a total of 78 laps making it a race distance of 260.286km.
So, those are the basics, but what does an F1 driver think of the Monaco circuit? We managed to corner Red Bull Racing Honda’s Test and Reserve Driver Alex Albon and asked him to take us on a quick lap of the track.
Circuit Scout: Monaco© @sou_draws
“It’s one of the most famous tracks we go to,” said Alex. “But I would say it’s not known for its racing; it’s known for qualifying.”
Monaco is a circuit that rewards confidence; you have to be 100 per cent sure of your abilities when hammering around this narrow street circuit. “It’s all about precision and being close to the walls. It feels like you’re on another level when qualifying. You’re in the zone and full of adrenaline, it’s a feeling you don’t often get at other circuits. As a driver, there are some proper heart in your mouth moments on that track, it’s incredible,” explained Alex, who went on to mention how quickly as a driver you get used to it.
“The track feels so narrow when you start in FP1. The car feels like it has double the horse power compared to other tracks because it’s so closed in. It’s very intense, but as you go through the weekend, the track starts to feel bigger and bigger and you get more comfortable.”
So, fire it up and let’s go for a lap…
“It’s a proper corner here and you’re dancing through the walls. You are really rewarded on track if you can get closer to them. The track almost opens up and as you come out of the corner you can carry more speed – it’s the quickest corner on the track.”
Turns 3 & 4 In Monaco© Getty Images
“I think this is the most iconic corner on the track, it’s certainly the slowest. It’s so tight that teams develop certain elements on the car just for this particular corner. If we had to do turn six with a normal set up it would feel like driving a road car. We’d have to move our hands around the steering wheel to make it around, but because of the special set up, we have to just put it on full lock.“
The tunnel is often talked about by commentators and fans regarding how scary it is to drive through at top speed, but Alex says that’s not the case. “It’s not that bad, it’s exaggerated by people I feel. Saying that though, I have had a huge crash coming out of the tunnel when I was racing in F2. It takes a moment for your eyes to readjust when emerging from the dark into the light and a driver in front of me braked too early, I didn’t see him and crashed. Overall it is cool to drive an F1 car through a tunnel though.”
Max Drives Through The Monaco Tunnel© Vladimir Rys
Turn 12 can be deceptive for drivers as Alex explained: “It’s an unbelievable corner, it’s really fast and at first your feel like you’re putting the car right on the limit, but you realise that there is a bit more and you can keep pushing yourself, but you have to be brave.“
“These corners are great, it’s where we touch the walls quite a lot because it’s so important to be right up against it,” said Alex, but he goes onto explain why these corners can be tricky in the morning sessions.
“Turn 16 is where all the nightclubs are, so in the morning sessions the track can be slippery because of the spilt alcohol on track. And due to the day off it can have two night’s worth of alcohol on there for FP3 on Saturday. I remember when I was karting, there was so much on the track and it was raining so it was just terrible – but that’s Monaco for you.”
Taking The Racing Line© Vladimir Rys
“I’ve always liked Monaco, I qualified P2 in my first race here in F2. And then pole in my second year. I then went on to qualify P9 in my first race here in F1, so it’s always been a nice track for me.
“It’s a street track first of all, so you’re process and attitude to the weekend is different, you’re not there pushing the limits straight away, it’s very much a building up process. It’s one of my favourite tracks. It’s the best street track we go to and there are no real highlights, everything is unbelievable!” Alex concluded.
Monaco By Night© Vladimir Rys
