Fernando Alonso to steal a win? 2023 Monaco GP Preview

Could the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix be the first race of the season to see a non-Red Bull Racing driver win?

Can Charles Leclerc stick it on pole...and lead the race to win? Yes, we're aware of Leclerc's Monaco jinx!

Or could it be Fernando Alonso scoring a win after a decade-long gap? Either winner would be extremely popular, no doubt. 

If you remember from last year, the Red Bull cars need two laps to warm-up tyres; could that be the chink in their armour this year? Also, the last two Q3 sessions in Monaco (2022 and 2021), have seen a Red Flag.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah preview the upcoming 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. @f1statsguru presents his stats preview leading to the race - and in fact, will we have a race at all? Or will it be another procession around the streets of Monaco?

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 23)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team

**Monaco Grand Prix Preview**

- **Qualifying:**

- Qualifying is expected to be the most exciting session of the weekend.
- A red flag has interrupted Q3 in the last two Monaco GPs.
- Charles Leclerc has a history of misfortune in Monaco, but could this be the year he finally wins?
- Fernando Alonso, who has won in Monaco before, is another contender to watch.

- **Race:**

- The race is likely to be a procession, given the difficulty of overtaking in Monaco.
- However, there could be some excitement if there is a safety car or a red flag.
- Sergio Perez, who won in Monaco last year, could be a challenger to Max Verstappen.

- **Dark Horses:**

- Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Nick DeVries (AlphaTauri)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)

- **Predictions:**

- Max Verstappen is the favorite to win, but Fernando Alonso could surprise.
- Lewis Hamilton could also be a contender if Mercedes' upgrades work.

- **Other Points of Interest:**

- This will be the first Monaco GP where Formula 1 will be directing the world feed.
- The race will be held on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday instead of the usual Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule.
- The Monaco GP is the shortest race on the F1 calendar at just 260 km. # Inside Line F1 Podcast: Monaco Grand Prix Preview

## Introduction:

- The hosts, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah, discuss the upcoming 2023 Monaco Grand Prix.

- They speculate on the possibility of a non-Red Bull Racing driver winning the race.

- Charles Leclerc's Monaco jinx is mentioned, along with Fernando Alonso's potential for a victory after a decade-long gap.

- The hosts highlight the Red Bull cars' need for two laps to warm up tires and the possibility of a Red Flag during Q3, as seen in the last two Monaco races.

## Race Preview:

- The hosts delve into the unique characteristics of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

- They discuss the challenges drivers face in overtaking, making it difficult for non-pole sitters to win.

- The hosts analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the top teams and drivers, including Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

- They also consider the impact of the new qualifying format and its potential to shake up the grid.

## Stats Preview:

- F1statsguru presents statistical insights and trends related to the Monaco Grand Prix.

- He highlights the dominance of Red Bull Racing in recent years and the challenges faced by other teams in securing a victory.

- F1statsguru also discusses the historical significance of the Monaco Grand Prix and its status as one of the most prestigious races in Formula One.

## Controversies and Insights:

- The hosts touch upon the ongoing debate regarding the fairness of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, given its lack of overtaking opportunities.

- They also discuss the potential impact of rain on the race and the strategies teams might employ in such conditions.

- The hosts provide insightful analysis of the driver and team dynamics, including the pressure on Leclerc to perform well in his home race.

## Conclusion:

- The hosts wrap up the podcast by summarizing their key takeaways and predictions for the Monaco Grand Prix.

- They emphasize the unpredictability of the race and the possibility of an exciting and thrilling battle for victory.

- The hosts invite listeners to engage with them on social media to share their opinions and questions about the upcoming race.