Sainz and Alonso were eager to dominate the start in Monaco

In Monaco, Red Bull is a favorite, but not like the other tracks, both Ferrari, with Sainz and Leclercas Aston Martinthat above all Fernando AlonsoThey can aim to win. The key is on the post. After one lap, on a twisty track with no straight line anywhere red bull can’t get the incredible top speed, there are 6 cars that can aim for everything, waiting to find out if Mercedes you can join the battle with your new pack. You can dream of a victory of Carlos Sainz, a track where he always feels at home and where last year he was 2nd, close to pole position and the winner. You can also dream of the long-awaited 33 for Fernando Alonso. It’s not crazy. It’s possible. There are real options. And so far, the first free practice for the Monaco GP has confirmed it: Carlos Sainz started the weekend leading Free Practice 1 with 1’13″372, with Fernando Alonso in second position at 0″338.

Lewis Hamilton was 3rd at 0″663, ‘Checo’ Pérez, the best Red Bull in fourth place at 0″666, Leclerc, Sainz’s Ferrari teammate, was 5th at 0″721 and the World Championship leader and current champion, Max Verstappen , is 6th at 0″872. Everything can change between now and Saturday’s crucial qualifying session, where more than half of Sunday’s victory will be decided. And it remains to be seen how everything performs on a medium tire that nobody rides in FP1. But for now, while many riders have suffered to start gaining confidence between the walls and get closer and closer to the protections, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso are confident, with a very good feeling, without mistakes, starting from weekend in the desired manner in the Principality.

Free Hour 1 – Monaco

1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 1’13.372
2. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) at 0.338
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) at 0.663
4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) at 0.666
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) at 0.721
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) at 0.872
7. Lando Norris (McLaren) at 1,095
8. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) at 1,213
9. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) at 1,281
10. Alexander Albon (Williams) at 1,294
11. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) at 1,346
12. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) at 1,353
13. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) at 1,448
14. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) at 1,494
15. George Russell (Mercedes) at 1,694
16. Nyck de Vries (AlphaTauri) at 1,711
17. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) at 1,820
18. Logan Sargeant (Williams) at 2,185
19. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) at 2,312
20. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) at 2,413

Alonso was very clear on Thursday: “I would be lying if I didn’t say I didn’t come thinking about winning.” And Sainz, too: “Last year I managed to win perfectly with a bit of luck. After a year, the only goal is to get pole position, which gives you more chances to win”. They both went for it. Max Verstappen needs to improve and everyone expects. He’s the favourite, but Fernando Alonso is probably a close match. And Sainz wants to be in that fight. Success is possible. Rankings are going to be crazy.

bumpy session with two red flags

The first free practice session of the Monaco F1 GP made it clear from the start what this Grand Prix is ​​all about. All drivers must fight to gain confidence from the start to get closer to the walls without crossing the fine line that separates glory from accident. In an hour of first practice, there were many mistakes and various fears, as Charles Leclerc starred. The Monegasque, upset at his home circuit, has already been involved in several incidents and episodes of bad luck on the streets of his city, and in this case, he is about to repeat a crash he had already experienced at the pool exit chicane . This time, he was able to control his car’s skid just as he was about to enter and thus avoid the wall.

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Unstoppable showing the first two red flags of the weekend were Nico Hülkenberg and Alexander Albon. The man from Haas broke one of his tires hitting the protections and the Thai from Williams suffered a heavy blow in the final moments which forced the session to end early.

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