PADDOCK INSIDER: Monaco is one of F1's great challenges – and it's where Red Bull's rivals will feel they are beatable

Monaco is one of Formula 1’s great challenges. The traffic is monstrous – and that’s just when you’ve got 20 cars fighting for position around the tight, twisty and barrier-lined street track.
Drivers need to beware of slower cars when on a hot lap – no easy feat when there are several blind corners and only a narrow path to thread your way past. Misjudge and it’s lap over. There’s a bottleneck in the final segment during qualifying, too, as drivers back up to give themselves some clear air to push for a flying lap.
Next Up
Related Articles
What is the weather forecast for the Australian Grand Prix?
ExclusiveDoohan on signing for Haas, his Alpine stint and what’s next
Top picks from the official teamwear drops and how to style them
Why race starts will be different in 2026
How to stream the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium
Piastri assesses chances of ‘really special’ home win
