2024 Monaco F1 Grand Prix Analysis by Peter Windsor

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc triumphed in his home race in Monte-Carlo, evoking tears from Prince Albert on the podium and bringing Monaco—and much of the south of France—to a standstill. The race marked a significant day for Pirelli, as their hard and medium compound tyres completed the entire GP distance non-stop due to a red flag incident on the opening lap. This allowed every driver a free tyre change in the pit lane. Given Monaco's uniquely low-abrasion track surface, Leclerc had to manage his hard-compound tyres to the finish, winning at the slowest possible pace.

Although Pirelli suggested it was feasible on paper, Leclerc ventured into the F1 unknown. Nevertheless, he executed flawlessly, with McLaren-Mercedes' Oscar Piastri closely trailing him for most of the race. The top four drivers—Leclerc, Piastri, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, and McLaren-Mercedes' Lando Norris—who all switched to hard tyres for the restart, were often within four seconds of each other.

This created a spectacular sight at Monaco, where traditionally, the leader pulls away for an easy win. George Russell delivered an outstanding performance, finishing fifth for Mercedes on Pirelli mediums, running non-stop to outpace Red Bull-Honda's Max Verstappen, who stopped on lap 52 to switch from mediums to used hards.

Despite the fresher rubber, Verstappen couldn't overtake Russell, who maintained his position flawlessly on older tyres, rendering the concept of a "free stop" moot for the day. Filming from the Princess Grace Rose Garden, Peter Windsor reflects on a remarkable day in the Principality.

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