The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic stops on Formula 1’s schedule, but it is incredibly narrow and hard to pass, making it an easy place to find trouble. Sergio Pérez, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso have all experienced crashes and difficulties on the circuit. The race starts at 3 p.m. in Monte Carlo, with coverage on ABC in the United States. Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are on the front row, with Esteban Ocon’s Alpine in third. The race may blow open the points race if Verstappen wins, and Mercedes has unveiled a redesign with larger sidepods.
The Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most iconic stops on Formula 1’s schedule, took place on Sunday, May 28, 2023. The Circuit de Monaco, which first hosted a grand prix race in 1950, is known for its narrow and challenging course, making it incredibly hard to pass and an easy place to find trouble. This year’s race was no exception, with several drivers experiencing crashes and setbacks.
Sergio Pérez, who crashed during qualifying, started last on Sunday, while Lewis Hamilton saw his car lifted off the circuit by a crane after his own accident on Saturday. Fernando Alonso qualified second but had to find a way to get past Max Verstappen if he wanted to taste victory, which proved to be a challenging task.
How to Watch
The Monaco Grand Prix started at 3 p.m. in Monte Carlo, which is 9 a.m. Eastern time. The race aired on ABC in the United States, with coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. Eastern. A full list of Formula 1 broadcasters, wherever you are, can be found here.
Sunday’s Starting Grid
Verstappen and Alonso started on the front row, with Esteban Ocon’s Alpine right behind them, which came as a surprise. Ferrari started fourth and sixth, while Mercedes started in fifth and eighth, hoping to salvage what they could on Monaco’s narrow course. Pérez, on the other hand, had a long day ahead, looking at the back of other cars.
Sunday’s Story Lines
The main story line of the day was whether anyone could catch Verstappen. With Pérez starting last, a win for Verstappen could blow open the points race. Another significant development was the much-discussed redesign of Mercedes, which unveiled larger sidepods and smaller changes here and there, making it a topic of discussion among scientists and engineers.
Last Time Out
There was no race last week after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was canceled due to heavy rains and deadly floods in northern Italy. That made it three weeks since Max Verstappen’s win in Miami.
Drivers’ Championship Standings
After five starts, Red Bull’s only race remains the one against itself, with Verstappen leading the pack with 105 points, followed by Hamilton with 68 points and Alonso with 60 points.
In the end, Verstappen won the Monaco Grand Prix, making it his fourth win of the season. Alonso finished second, while Ocon came in third, making it a surprise podium finish for Alpine. Hamilton finished in fourth place, salvaging some points for Mercedes. Pérez, on the other hand, finished in 13th place, struggling to make up for his starting position at the back of the grid.
The Monaco Grand Prix may be a challenging race, but it remains one of the most iconic and exciting events on the Formula 1 calendar. With its narrow course and stunning waterfront views, it provides a unique and unforgettable experience for drivers and fans alike.
