CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE 2024 MONACO GP

The Monaco Grand Prix is always a highlight in the Formula 1 calendar, but this year, the drama unfolded right from the start. The race can be encapsulated in its eventful first lap, marked by a combination of brilliance and recklessness.

The most significant moment of the race was undoubtedly Charles Leclerc’s victory. Leclerc made history as the second Monegasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix (first in the new era of F1) , a feat that filled both him and the local fans with immense pride. His performance was flawless, and his emotional tribute to his late father added a touching human element to the celebration. Prince Albert, visibly moved, shared in the joy, making it a special moment for Monaco.

The race started with a bang as Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri battled fiercely for second place. A minor collision resulted in a puncture for Sainz, setting the stage for a tumultuous race. The incident was only the beginning of the chaos that would follow.

The red flag that followed was a result of Kevin Magnussen’s reckless maneuver. Attempting to overtake Checo Perez in a non-existent gap, Magnussen caused a massive collision that destroyed Perez’s car and took out his teammate. Thankfully, all drivers involved were unharmed. Nico Hülkenberg criticized the move as completely unnecessary, and the lack of a penalty for Magnussen left many, including myself, bewildered.

Adding to the drama, an aggressive move by Esteban Ocon on his teammate Pierre Gasly led to Ocon’s retirement from the race. The initial 10-second penalty, which was meaningless since Ocon was already out, was later converted to a 5-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix. This incident highlighted the ongoing issue of intra-team conflicts and aggressive driving.

Due to the timing of the red flag, Carlos Sainz managed to retain his position, as the last car had not yet completed the first sector. This decision added another layer of complexity to an already dramatic race.

Despite the explosive start, the remainder of the race lacked excitement. With minimal strategy involved, few pit stops, and no weather changes to spice things up, the race quickly turned monotonous. Overtaking in Monaco is notoriously difficult, and this race was no exception. From Alex Albon onwards, there was little movement, and the race turned into a procession.

One noteworthy aspect was George Russell’s decision to complete the race on medium tires. Although this is not entirely impossible in Monaco, the state of his tyres by the end of the race was a testament to his skill in tyre management.

Charles Leclerc’s victory was the highlight of an otherwise lackluster race. His dedication of the win to his father, coupled with Prince Albert’s emotional reaction, provided a poignant end to the day. This race also marked an increase in the number of race winners this season compared to last – a positive sign of increased competition in the sport.

While the Monaco Grand Prix had its moments of excitement and drama, it also reinforced the challenges of overtaking on this iconic circuit. As we look forward to the Canadian Grand Prix, the hope is for more consistent excitement throughout the race.