Formula 1 continues its European triple-header with the Monaco Grand Prix, widely considered the most famous event on the F F1 calendar.
Following his victory in Imola, Max Verstappen has tightened the championship race, now sitting just 22 points behind the current leader, Oscar Piastri.
Lando Norris also made gains and is now 13 points adrift of his McLaren teammate. At last year`s Monaco race, Piastri finished second to Charles Leclerc.
Charles Leclerc secured his first home victory here 12 months ago. However, Ferrari will likely need a standout performance to compete at the very front this year, despite Lewis Hamilton`s strong showing just outside the podium places in Imola.
The Italian race proved disappointing for Mercedes; George Russell recorded his worst finish of the season in seventh, and Kimi Antonelli retired.
A notable modification for the Monaco race this Sunday is the introduction of a mandatory two-stop strategy. This aims to inject more excitement into what has traditionally been a rather predictable Grand Prix.
This change could significantly mix things up, potentially making the pit-stop phases very thrilling and bringing an element of chance into play.
Monaco GP Circuit
Monaco is one of only four current F1 events that were part of the original 1950 calendar and has featured annually for the past 70 years, with the exception of its cancellation in 2020 due to Covid-19.
It holds the title of the shortest track layout at just over two miles, making overtaking exceptionally difficult. The tight, winding circuit is defined by iconic sections such as Sainte Devote, Casino Square, the Hairpin, the Tunnel, Tabac corner, the Swimming Pool chicane, and the Rascasse.
Qualifying is critically important here but is also a season highlight, as drivers push their limits, often brushing the barriers in pursuit of essential lap time.
Monaco GP Weather
The weather forecast for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend suggests cool conditions, with temperatures expected to be around 18°C to 20°C across all three days.
There is a 50% probability of rain affecting qualifying on Saturday, but Sunday`s race day is anticipated to be dry and sunny.
Monaco GP dates, UK start time and schedule – practice, qualifying, race
Thursday May 22
12.05pm: F3 Practice
1.55pm: F2 Practice
3pm: F1 Drivers` Press Conference
Friday May 23
10am: F3 Qualifying
12pm: Monaco GP Practice One
2.05pm: F2 Qualifying
3pm: F1 Team Bosses` Press Conference
3.45pm: Monaco GP Practice Two
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday May 24
9.40am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Monaco GP Practice Three
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Monaco GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: MONACO GP QUALIFYING
5pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday May 25
6.55am: F3 Feature Race
8.35am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Monaco GP build-up
2pm: The MONACO GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Monaco GP reaction
5pm: Ted`s Notebook
5.30pm: The Indy 500
Marcus Prine