\n<\/p>\n
The answer is not a straightforward yes or no.<\/b><\/p>\n
Known for it’s grandeur, Monaco has always been an iconic track since its first race in 1929, with rows of yachts along the harbour and a star-studded guest list in attendance.<\/p>\n
It is considered one of motorsport’s triple crown events – an unofficial achievement – along with the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans. Three different, but equally challenging races, and steeped in a rich history.<\/p>\n
In recent years, however, there have been discussions on whether the streets of Monte Carlo have made for a stagnant track, although a contest drivers still want to win.<\/p>\n
“This is really boring… I should’ve brought my pillow,” said four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen after finishing sixth in the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
The circuit is a unique challenge for drivers, with roads around the principality narrow with tight turns and a mile-long tunnel.<\/p>\n
With modern cars now much larger, this makes overtaking difficult.<\/p>\n
Saturday’s qualifying is considered the most exciting part of the weekend as the race classification is deemed a foregone conclusion as the track averages just 10 overtakes per race, the lowest of any track in the last 10 years.<\/p>\n
In 2024, the top 10 remained unchanged from start to finish with only four overtakes in the 78-lap contest as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took both pole position and the race victory over the weekend.<\/p>\n
The previous year’s edition saw 22 overtakes because of rain, while in 2022 there were 13 on wet tarmac.<\/p>\n
This weekend, from May 23-25, will be the 82nd staging of the Monaco Grand Prix. It has been on the calendar since F1 began in 1950, becoming a permanent fixture from 1955, other than during the Covid-affected 2020 season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n