It is the most iconic race on the Formula 1 calendar from one of the most exclusive destinations in the world, the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix is all locked in for this weekend.
The weekend promises plenty of glitz and glamour off the track, while those in attendance will be hoping for a little bit of drama on the track.
With the massive growth in car size over the last two decades, it has somewhat minimised the potential for actual racing on the very narrow street circuit.
However for the drivers there is still plenty of jeopardy with no margin for error should they run wide at one of the 19 turns on the circuit.
Last week Max Verstappen once again returned to the top of the podium but it was not without some late fireworks as Lando Norris finished with a flourish.
It sure looks like the gap between Verstappen and the chasing pack is shrinking week on week, so is this the race where he is challenged from the time the lights go out?
Track Stats
- Direction: Clockwise
- Lap Distance: 3.337km
- Total Laps: 78
- Race Distance: 260.286km
- Lap Record: 1:12.909 (Lewis Hamilton, MER, 2021)
- 2023 Podium: Max Verstappen (RBR), Fernando Alonso (AST), Esteban Ocon (ALP)
- Most Event Wins: Ayrton Senna (1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993)
Race Winner
For once there is actually a decision to be made by punters in the Race Winner betting market.
Max Verstappen finally offers some value at $1.83 but he is also facing his toughest competition all season.
Local boy Charles Leclerc has some strong qualifying form but his race performances in front of friends and family have left a lot to be desired (although that does come with the huge asterisk of Ferrari’s technical struggles over the last few years).
However he cannot be discounted having earned pole position in two of the last three years and is coming off back to back podium finishes in Miami and Italy.
But the biggest challenge is without a doubt coming from Lando Norris, who has been insanely good over the last three races, finishing second in China and Italy either side of his win in Miami.
Something has clicked in that McLaren and Norris is reaping the benefits of it with some strong performances.
His results at Monaco in the past have been somewhat mixed but I’m willing to back the English driver to knock off Verstappen and spoil Leclerc’s homecoming.
Lando Norris to Win @ $5.00
Podium Finish
Having seen the three aforementioned drivers dominate the podium in the last two races, the question becomes, is there anyone who can force their own way in to the top three?
There is some value in this market to double dip on two of the more experienced drivers in the field.
Based on recent reports circulating out of the paddock, Sergio Perez is about to celebrate a contract extension with Red Bull so he may look to repay the team’s faith in him with a trophy.
Plus he did win this race in 2022 and has a couple of podium finishes at this track to his name.
Carlos Sainz was the runner up to Perez in 2022 having also finished as the runner up in 2021.
He has never finished lower than tenth at this circuit and has the car to challenge if it all comes together.
Chances are only one of these will hit but I’m happy to take both drivers here.
Carlos Sainz Podium Finish @ $3.25
Sergio Perez Podium Finish @ $3.25
Top 6 Finish
If you just go off the market, the top six is just about locked in place, but where is the fun in that?
One of the Mercedes drivers could find their way in and break up the Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari party, or just capitalise on someone taking the hairpin a bit too quickly.
George Russell has done it on three occasions already while 2008, 2016 and 2019 winner Lewis Hamilton has secured sixth in each of the last two races.
Not to mention his record in Monte Carlo speaks for itself with 12 top six finishes since 2007.
Lewis Hamilton Top Six @ $2.20
Points Finish
Yuki Tsunoda might be one of the more entertaining drivers on the track, but this is not the race for him and I’m happy to take him on in the points finish market.
At $1.62 he is a bit short in price despite four top tens from his last five starts.
Quite frankly Monaco just does not suit his driving style and I’m expecting him to have a rough afternoon which should open up at least one top ten spot.
At the other end of the likability scale is Lance Stroll, who might come across as unpleasant at times, but his performances at times this season have shown he does have some ability to work with.
Having already locked up three top ten finishes this season including ninth last week, I’ll begrudgingly back the Canadian driver to add to his tally here.
Lance Stroll Points Finish @ $2.25
Driver Match Bets
This is the week I’m going to do it, I’ll back Daniel Ricciardo to finish ahead of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
It has not happened since the first race in Bahrain but Ricciardo loves this track and if his car cooperates, he can get the best out of it on the streets of Monaco.
Or if Tsunoda goes rogue and crashes, Ricciardo would just have to finish for this to salute.
Daniel Ricciardo to beat Yuki Tsunoda @ $2.60