How did THAT happen & Who's Estie Bestie - 2023 Monaco GP Review

The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix made us ask 'how did THAT happen?' several times over.

Firstly, Max Verstappen's pole position lap. But before that, Esteban Ocon claiming provisional pole! Yes, how did THAT happen?

(Also, what's your best guess for who calls Esteban Ocon 'Estie Bestie'!?

Then, we had the Monaco Grand Prix itself. It was a strategic race in every way, but the rain neutered that. But how was there no Safety Car or longer race interruption?

Helmets off to the talent of the 19 drivers who didn't crash. Sorry, Lance, you ain't on the list.

Alonso's tyre gamble, Ocon's slow stop, Carlos Sainz's anger & mistake, Charles Leclerc impeding Lando Norris (we know how that happened!), George Russell blowing his podium chances, Haas' muscling their way through, Yuki Tsunoda's dry weather performance and Nyck De Vries jumping Logan Sargeant for 19th place in the Drivers' Championship. This is an action-packed episode in itself.

Tune in to know how that happened!😉

(Season 2023, Episode 25)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team

**Summary of the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Review Podcast**

The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix was an exciting and unpredictable race, with Max Verstappen taking the victory and Fernando Alonso finishing in second place. Esteban Ocon secured a podium finish for Alpine, while Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc faced challenges during the race.

**Key Points:**

* Esteban Ocon's provisional pole position and strong qualifying performance were highlights of the weekend.
* The strategic race was affected by rain, leading to a lack of Safety Car interruptions or longer race stoppages.
* Drivers faced significant challenges navigating the wet track conditions, with several crashes occurring.
* Fernando Alonso's decision to switch to intermediate tires during his first pit stop was a strategic gamble that could have changed the outcome of the race.
* Lance Stroll and Logan Sargeant faced difficulties on the track, with Stroll notably making multiple mistakes.
* Yuki Tsunoda's impressive performance in dry weather conditions and Nyck De Vries's successful debut race were notable achievements.
* George Russell missed out on a podium finish due to a mistake during the race.
* Haas F1 Team demonstrated strong performance, with both drivers finishing in the points.

**Insights and Controversies:**

* The nickname "Esti Besti" for Esteban Ocon, coined by Otmar Szafnauer, sparked discussions about its origin and appropriateness.
* The debate surrounding Lance Stroll's performance and his impact on the Aston Martin team's results continued.
* Questions were raised about the strategy employed by Ferrari for Carlos Sainz, and his subsequent error that cost him a podium position.
* The incident between Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, where Leclerc impeded Norris, was a controversial moment in the race.
* George Russell's struggles in recent races and his mistake in Monaco were topics of discussion.

**Overall Takeaway:**

The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix was a thrilling race that showcased the skill and determination of the drivers, as well as the strategic challenges of Formula One racing. Despite the unpredictable weather conditions, Max Verstappen's dominance continued, while Fernando Alonso's podium finish was a testament to his experience and skill. The race also highlighted the importance of strategy and execution in Formula One, as teams and drivers sought to navigate the unique challenges of the Monaco circuit. # Monaco Grand Prix 2023: A Thrilling Unpredictable Race

## Introduction:

The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix was a thrilling and unpredictable race that saw several unexpected twists and turns. From Max Verstappen's dominant pole position to Esteban Ocon's surprising provisional pole, the race was full of surprises.

## Key Moments and Controversies:

- **Max Verstappen's Pole Position:** Verstappen secured a stunning pole position, showcasing his exceptional driving skills and the dominance of the Red Bull car.

- **Esteban Ocon's Provisional Pole:** Ocon's provisional pole position was a major upset, highlighting the competitiveness of the midfield teams.

- **Strategic Race:** The race was expected to be strategic due to the narrow and twisty nature of the Monaco circuit. However, the rain played a significant role, neutralizing the strategic element.

- **Absence of Safety Car:** Despite the treacherous conditions, there was no Safety Car or prolonged race interruption, highlighting the drivers' skill in navigating the challenging circuit.

- **Individual Driver Performances:**

- **Fernando Alonso:** Alonso showcased his brilliance with a strategic tire gamble, allowing him to climb up the order and finish in the points.

- **Ocon's Slow Stop:** Ocon's slow pit stop cost him valuable time and positions, hindering his chances of a podium finish.

- **Carlos Sainz's Anger and Mistake:** Sainz expressed his frustration over team strategy, leading to a mistake that dropped him down the order.

- **Charles Leclerc Impeding Norris:** Leclerc was penalized for impeding Lando Norris, further hampering his race.

- **George Russell's Missed Podium Opportunity:** Russell made an error that cost him a potential podium finish, highlighting the pressure and intensity of the race.

- **Haas Drivers' Aggressive Moves:** Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg made aggressive moves and overtakes, showcasing the competitiveness of the team.

- **Yuki Tsunoda's Dry Weather Performance:** Tsunoda impressed in dry conditions before brake issues hampered his race, demonstrating his potential.

- **Nyck DeVries' Points Finish:** DeVries jumped Logan Sargeant in the Drivers' Championship standings by securing a 12th-place finish, his best result of the season.

## Overall Takeaway:

The Monaco Grand Prix was an action-packed and unpredictable race that showcased the talent and skill of the drivers. Despite the challenging conditions, the drivers put on a thrilling display of racing, keeping fans engaged throughout the event. The race also highlighted the importance of strategy and adaptability in Formula One.