That’s because they will have the opportunity to split strategies if they wish, trying to force the hand of either Alonso or Verstappen if the pace is being managed to preserve tyre life. We will get into the impact of strategy a little later, but with Esteban Ocon starting third and Pierre Gasly seventh for Alpine, and Carlos Sainz fourth ahead of Charles Leclerc in sixth for Ferrari (after the latter’s three-place grid penalty), both could take a little more risk in searching for more positions. READ MORE: Alonso sets sights on Monaco GP victory as he looks to exploit Verstappen’s ‘inconsistent’ starts Red Bull bookend the grid with Verstappen on pole and Sergio Perez in 20th place, while Aston Martin are in a not dissimilar situation after Lance Stroll was eliminated in Q2 and will start from 14th position.

While both teams would much rather have a driver on the front row, Ferrari and Alpine do have an advantage of sorts against Red Bull and Aston Martin heading into the race. Ferrari and Alpine with extra cards to play So make sure you don’t miss lights out!Ģ.

It might be a short run to Sainte Devote, but getting off the line on high fuel is the moment drivers near the front of the grid will be dreading the most on Sunday, as it’s the one of the rare times that positions are likely to change.Īnd Max Verstappen knows that alongside him is a driver who never needs a second invitation if the door is even slightly open heading to the first corner, with Fernando Alonso – who came so close to his first pole position in more than a decade in a thrilling qualifying session on Saturday – something of a specialist at making up places on race starts.Īlonso starts on the outside of the front row so will need to get a clearly better launch, but it will be that short burst to Turn 1 that will go a long way to deciding the race outcome. READ MORE: Verstappen snatches pole position from Alonso in thrilling Monaco GP qualifying sessionīut while the drivers were putting together stunning laps on low fuel in qualifying, there is always a tense moment when the lights go out to get the race under way.

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