Formula 1: Three key battles to watch out for in Monaco GP 2023

Max Verstappen starts another Grand Prix at Pole.

Just a week after the cancellation of the Imola GP 2023, Formula 1 is once again back in action with the Monaco GP 2023 after almost two weeks, this time around the streets of the beautiful city of Monaco. After a brief break due to unforeseen circumstances at the Imola GP, this will be the first of all F1 races scheduled to take place in and across Europe for the F1 2023 season.

The Monaco GP 2023 will take place on the Circuit de Monaco, a street circuit that winds through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine in the Principality of Monaco. It will be one of the seven street circuits for the season which takes place over 78 laps of the 3.337-kilometre.

With a dramatic Qualifying session, we take a look at three key battles to watch out for in the ultimate showdown at the Monaco GP 2023.

Max Verstappen vs Fernando Alonso

Both Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are having an amazing F1 season so far. With two World Championships, the Dutchman is up on the quest for his Third with his consistent performance this season as well. Starting for the first time on Pole at Monaco GP, Max will be eyeing his second first-position finish at the beautiful track of Monaco.

But alongside Verstappen at the front grid, is the veteran driver Fernando Alonso. At a point in his career, where nobody expected the legend to have a remarkable run this season with four podiums in five Grand Prix races this season. He is currently third in the driver’s championship having an exceptional season with 75 points after his name.

With Verstappen and Alonso both on the front grid for today’s race, and the stakes being 25 huge points in the driver’s championship, which ensures everyone about an epic battle ensuing between the Modern day Dutch magician, and the Spanish sorcerer.

Esteban Ocon vs Lewis Hamilton

Both Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton are having a struggling F1 season so far. The Frenchmen had an amazing qualifying result which has brought him closer to winning his first podium this season as he starts third on the grid for Monaco GP 2023. The young Frenchman will be put to a pure test this weekend, as he will have to defend his position against the seasoned drivers of Ferrari and Mercedes.

Starting fifth on the grid after a trembling finish in qualifying, seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton will be looking forward to using his experience on this beautiful street circuit of Monaco to find his second podium for the season 2023. With several updates in their car, the Mercedes team will be hopeful of a better performance based on their qualifying performances.

Pierre Gasly vs Charles Leclerc

With his first season in the Alpine team, Pierre Gasly, the French racer has had a good start this season with points onboard. Moreover, the Qualifying session at Monaco was a good one for the Frenchman, as he will start the grid at seventh, just behind the Ferrari star Leclerc. Known for his consistent and determined driving style, it is expected of him to give tough competition to Leclerc, who will have the added pressure of his home race. 

Whereas for Charles Leclerc, the Monaco curse still goes as he gets a three-place grid penalty for his home Grand Prix after finishing third in the Qualifying. It has not been the best of the seasons for the Ferrari driver as he will be starting sixth now, looking for the most points he can get at this street circuit, where overtaking is a task, especially with the car he is onboarded with.