Why Monaco Excites F1 & Us - 2022 Monaco GP Preview

It's time for the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix and we tell you just why all of Formula 1 is excited...including us! For starters, a lot of drivers call Monaco 'home'. They will walk to their race cars from their living rooms, just as us mortals do. 

But there's more to excite about Monaco, the 'Crown Jewel' of Motorsport. The history is represents & the challenges it offers to teams-drivers alike.

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In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal preview the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix along with Sundaram '@f1statsguru' Ramaswami who shares fascinating stats and facts about Monaco.

Debuting on the Inside Line F1 Podcast from this race onward is Aditya Bhat with his 'F1 Tech Explained' segment. He explains the challenges the teams face with regards to steering setup given the tight-twisty nature of the circuit.

Additionally, the teams will face a challenge on-track and off it. Logistics, car setup, race strategy & others.

As for the drivers, racing those magnificent and super-quick beasts around the streets of Monaco will tax them mentally & physically; as Sebastian Vettel said, "This will be a physical Grand Prix where drivers will hustle the cars."

And lastly, will Charles Leclerc's Monaco curse continue? The Ferrari driver is yet to finish a race at home! 

Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 28)

Follow our hosts: Sundaram Ramaswami, Aditya Bhat, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Mercedes

**Inside Line F1 Podcast: Monaco Grand Prix Preview**

- The 2022 Monaco Grand Prix is highly anticipated due to its unique challenges, glamorous atmosphere, and historical significance.
- The longer cars this season may exacerbate the already narrow and challenging circuit, potentially leading to increased difficulty in overtaking.
- The absence of Thursday's free practice session due to cost-saving measures is a notable change in the race weekend schedule.
- Qualifying is expected to be particularly exciting, with the possibility of a three-way team battle for pole position.
- The drivers will face physical and mental challenges due to the tight and twisty nature of the circuit, with Sebastian Vettel emphasizing the physical demands of the race.
- Charles Leclerc's "Monaco curse" continues, as he has yet to finish a race in his home Grand Prix.

**F1 Stats Guru Preview:**

- Sundaram Ramaswamy provides insightful statistics about the Monaco Grand Prix.
- 68% of Monaco races have been won from the front row, highlighting the importance of qualifying.
- No driver in the last 25 years has won from below third on the grid.
- The average number of overtakes has significantly decreased since the introduction of longer and wider cars in 2017.
- Ayrton Senna holds the record for most poles and wins at Monaco, with other legends also featuring prominently on the leaderboard.
- Charles Leclerc has had a string of bad luck at Monaco, failing to finish the race in his last five attempts.
- Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel are known to perform well at Monaco, with Sainz consistently making it to Q3 and Vettel finishing in the top five on 11 occasions.

**F1 Tech Explained Segment:**

- Aditya Bhatt explains the steering challenges faced by drivers in Monaco, particularly at the Grand Hotel hairpin.
- The tight corners require drivers to quickly adjust their steering angles, often using only one hand to maneuver the wheel.
- The left-hand is typically removed from the wheel to allow for a wider range of motion.
- Drivers must be precise and swift in their steering inputs to navigate the hairpin effectively.

**Other Race Dynamics:**

- Teams will face logistical challenges due to the cramped garages and limited space in Monaco.
- Race strategy, including the undercut, will be crucial due to the difficulty of overtaking.
- Drivers will be taxed mentally and physically, with the tight and twisty circuit demanding constant focus and precision.

**Conclusion:**

- The 2022 Monaco Grand Prix promises to be an exciting and challenging event, with the potential for close racing, strategic battles, and unexpected outcomes.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: Monaco Grand Prix Preview

## Episode Overview:

The Inside Line F1 Podcast delves into the highly anticipated 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, often referred to as the 'Crown Jewel' of Motorsport. The podcast features expert analysis and insights from hosts Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah, Sundaram Ramaswami, and Aditya Bhat.

## Key Points:

1. **Monaco's Significance:**
- Monaco holds a special place in Formula One, representing history, challenges, and excitement for drivers, teams, and fans alike.
- The tight and twisty nature of the circuit poses unique challenges for teams in terms of car setup and strategy.
- The race weekend presents logistical hurdles, such as car setup, race strategy, and managing the demands of the track.

2. **Driver Focus:**
- Mick Schumacher, Carlos Sainz, and Daniel Ricciardo are among the drivers to watch, facing pressure to perform and overcome recent struggles.
- Yuki Tsunoda's impressive performances against Pierre Gasly in recent races have brought him into focus.
- Aston Martin drivers face scrutiny as they bring their green Red Bull-inspired cars to the streets of Monaco, their spiritual home.
- Valtteri Bottas' qualifying prowess with Alfa Romeo raises expectations for a strong showing in Monaco.

3. **Home Race Advantage:**
- Many F1 drivers reside in Monaco, making it a home race for several competitors.
- Drivers often have an advantage due to their familiarity with the circuit and the unique challenges it presents.

4. **Predictions:**
- Max Verstappen is the favorite for both qualifying and the race, having built momentum and overcome a significant points deficit in recent races.
- Mercedes' potential resurgence adds intrigue to the title battle, as they could spoil the championship fight between Leclerc, Verstappen, and their respective teams.

## Conclusion:

The Monaco Grand Prix promises to be an entertaining and challenging event, with the unique characteristics of the circuit testing the limits of drivers and teams. Listeners can expect an exciting race weekend filled with drama, strategy, and the thrill of Formula One racing.