Formula 1 heads to the streets of Monaco

2013 Monaco Grand Prix start

The famous street circuit of Monaco provides the perfect setting for the sixth race of the 2014 Formula 1 season which has already seen plenty of high drama and controversy.

What was expected to be a much closer fought Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship has seemingly turned into a one horse race, with Mercedes remaining way out in front as the only team who have embraced the new regulations and manufactured a functional, efficient car.

Ground-breaking rule changes may point the way to a wonderful future of Formula 1 racing with teams able to utilise the latest technology to produce hybrid cars, but the dominance shown by Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton has been amazing to watch. The Brit currently leads in the current Drivers’ Championship, and will look to make it five race wins in a row at the iconic track in the French Principality of Monaco.

Circuit de Monaco

Monaco harbour

All the famous stars and celebrities flock to Monaco to watch one of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar as the best Formula 1 drivers in the world showcase their ability on one of the hardest and most challenging circuits. The Monaco Grand Prix remains the stand-out feature of the Formula 1 calendar for its luxurious qualities that allow fans to enjoy the wonders of the principality, whether it is exploring and placing a bet in one of their luxurious casinos to a relaxing walk across the harbour where many wonderful boats and cruise boats are docked. What separates Monaco from every other circuit is the level of concentration required to drive through tight chicanes and corners that leave very little margin for error; the slightest error or miscalculation can result in a crash or having to retire from the race.

Mercedes continue to dominate

Lewis Hamilton in Monaco

Although some of the other teams, most notably Red Bull, are beginning to show signs of improvement, there is still the realism that everyone is many miles behind Mercedes who continue to dominate Formula 1 in the current climate. The W05 is simply in a league of its own, as every other car on the track fails to meet its ultra-quick speed and aerodynamic performance. It has resulted in a straight shoot-out between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton to see who will qualify on pole and win the race, such has been the ultimate control and advantage they hold over the rest of the field.

Heading into Race 6 of the 2014 Formula 1 season with four wins on the trot makes Lewis Hamilton the driver to beat. The 2008 champion certainly means business this season, and although he was forced to retire in the curtain raiser in Australia, Hamilton has made amends – and in some style too. Four starts from pole position in the first five races illustrates Hamilton’s determination to become world champion again, and can be backed at 8/15 to start from pole once again in Monaco. His only competition comes in the form of team-mate Rosberg who took the chequered flag in Australia, but the German has had to play second fiddle to Hamilton. Rosberg is 7/4 to end Hamilton’s wonderful run of race victories, with closest challengers Fernando Alonso and reigning champions Sebastian Vettel some way behind at 25/1 and 14/1 respectively to finally end the Mercedes stranglehold on Formula 1.

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