The Monaco Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from May 26 to May 28 at Circuit de Monaco
F1 has made several modifications to various circuits on the Formula One Calendar before the start of the 2023 season. Changes in DRS zones were implemented in Bahrain, Jeddah, Baku and Miami but there are no such plans for the circuit in Monaco, which is scheduled to host the Monaco GP. The Monaco track will continue to have a single DRS zone like previous editions and no changes in the track layout have been made before this weekend’s race.
The Monaco circuit is one of the only three venues in the F1 calendar beside the Suzuka and the Imola circuit to have just ONE DRS Zone. It is situated between Turn 16 and Turn 17 while the activation marker is located at the exit of the final corner (Turn 19) for the run to St. Devote. The presence of just one drs zone implies that overtaking is really difficult at this circuit. This is one of the primary reasons why it is often labelled as a ‘boring race’. F1 Champions like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have previously criticised the circuit and stated that “it is one of the most boring races ever”.
What is unique about Circuit de Monaco?
Circuit de Monaco is a street circuit laid out on the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine around the harbour of the Principality of Monaco. It is commonly referred to as ‘Monte Carlo’ because it is largely inside the Monte Carlo neighbourhood of Monaco. The circuit spans over a length of 3.337 km and includes 78 laps with 19 turns. It first hosted the Monaco GP in 1950 and has a capacity of 37,000. The circuit de Monaco has an FIA grade 1 license.
The feature that makes the circuit unique is that it is incredibly narrow. Nelson Piquet memorably described driving around Monaco as “like riding a bicycle around your living room.” Despite that, it’s a challenge that nearly all drivers love, forcing them to put their skills on the line and rewarding millimetric accuracy.
When it comes to some of the key stats at this circuit – F1 icon Ayrton Senna is the most successful driver at the Monaco GP, having won it six times. McLaren is the most successful constructor with 15 wins while Lewis Hamilton holds the record of setting the fastest lap timing – 1:12.909, driving for Mercedes in 2021.
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