Monaco the only circuit where speed does not count and track position is more important.
This afternoon I watched the Monaco Grand Prix with the only highlight being the crash on lap number 1. I say this only because there was a total of 7 overtakes in the entire 78 lap race. Those we done by the back markers and had no affect on the top 10.
They always say qualifying is so important in this race with only 6 drivers not starting on pole winning. That is a 70% win ratio for anyone starting on the pole position and is more down to luck or bad luck if you don't win. Track position is everything in this race and why qualifying first normally ends up in a victory from start to finish. For interest sake 5 of the 6 winners who won not starting from pole did so via the over cut which is pitting after the car in front and coming out in front. With no pit stops required today this kind of spoiled things.
The reason is mainly down to the lack of opportunity to overtake and this was highlighted today. Charles Le Clerc won from pole position by managing his tyres with no need for a pit stop due the accident on lap 1. The team changed the tyres onto the hard compound which is the current ruling ensuring every car has to use at least two different compounds during the race. The race was basically over after lap number 1 seeing the top 6 cars never in danger of over taking anyone.
The race was so absurd that Le Clerc was told not to push which would allow one of the op 4 cars to change for a new set of tyres allowing them more grip ad speed. This would not have made much difference as the street circuit is just too narrow offering only one or two places for overtaking to happen. The modern day Formula One car has a battery booster which can be deployed in these areas nullifying any overtaking threat.
A Formula One Car is 2 m wide and the Monaco street circuit is just not wide enough to allow proper overtaking to happen. The only hope you have is if the car in front of you makes a mistake and crashes or has mechanical issues. The circuit cannot be made any wider and it is what it is.
The only solution to make this race competitive is one change the 1 stop mandatory tyre change into a compulsory 2 stops. The technology with the tyres has made the racing far safer, but at the same time how can a car drive 77 laps on the same tyre. Surely they should be using different tyres for this circuit or scrap it altogether from the racing calendar.
Max Verstappen summed up the race perfectly.
The biggest miracle of the day was I watched it from start to finish without falling asleep stupidly thinking something could happen, but never. The Monaco setting is iconic with Formula One, but as entertainment value it is not a race you would want to go and watch.
The current Formula One deal is expiring in 2025 which would then see the race every 2 years which would create waves. The race has a deep history with the sport dating back to 1929, but some how they need to change the course or it will be gone for good.