27/05/2018
NEWS STORY
Despite one's best efforts, there will always be accusations of bias when it comes to reporting on F1... or indeed, most topics.
Over the year we have been accused of being pro-XYZ and anti-XYZ, be it driver, team, circuit, team boss or commercial rights holder.
With that in mind, may we just say that we feel no embarrassment whatsoever in admitting that we hope to see Daniel Ricciardo convert his pole position into a visit to the top step of the podium today.
Forget the infectious grin and the schoolboy sense of humour. Forget the fact that he is clearly not the golden boy at Red Bull, while said golden boy starts from the back of the grid today. Forget the fact that he is king of the late-brakers, the man who make a pass stick where angels fear to tread.
No, Daniel Ricciardo is owed victory today, if only for the fact that he was robbed here two years ago.
The sight of the youngster on the podium back then, clearly heartbroken that a team error had robbed him of certain victory, is not one that we will easily forget.
This weekend Ricciardo has been a man on fire, dominating every practice session and then producing that lap. If anyone but him takes victory today it will be a travesty.
Of course, the biggest threat to the Australian will be starting the race nine rows back, in itself guaranteeing an eventful afternoon. On a track where overtaking is nigh impossible, Max Verstappen will be out to prove the claim wrong, whilst ensuring that there are no further mistakes.
Not that it will make much difference, after his team opted to change the MGU-K on his car, Verstappen takes a ten-place grid penalty.
While it was always clear that Red Bull would be strong here, it was equally clear that its rivals, particularly Mercedes, would struggle, and that proved to be the case.
Then again, as Lewis Hamilton made clear, one cannot build a car specific to each track, so on the basis that Monaco is a one-off, the German team has opted to bite the bullet.
That said, Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel didn't take things lying down yesterday, and if either can nail Ricciardo at the start - of which more later - the whole nature of the race will change.
An already frantic battle for supremacy of the midfield is likely to be even more frantic today as the characteristics of the track level the playing field and those usually at a disadvantage seek to capitalise on any opportunity that comes their way, such as a safety car.
While Esteban Ocon starts from a very impressive sixth, he will be under intense pressure from the get-go from Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, not to mention his fellow Panther.
At the same time, Pierre Gasly will be embroiled in wheel-to-wheel combat with the likes of Hulkenberg, Vandoorne, Sirotkin and local boy Leclerc.
Having shown strong pace for much of the weekend, we were expecting to see Brendon Hartley a little further up the grid. Despite his claim that his seat is not under threat, the kiwi, much like Romain Grosjean, is someone who needs a good result, and where better than the Principality.
Talking of Grosjean, the Frenchman faces a tough afternoon, the Haas, much like Sauber, not looking at all good here.
Also having a tough weekend is Lance Stroll, though one question why teammate Sergey Sirotkin made it Q2 and is generally making a better effort of it all at present.
The first obstacle Ricciardo will need to overcome this afternoon is the start.
With a tight bunched field the first few corners at Barcelona showed what can happen in the heat of the moment as twenty young racers do their level best to win the race on the first lap... at Monaco the likelihood of an incident is one-hundred time greater.
Those tight, twisty turns, those unforgiving barriers, are just calling out for someone to do a 'Verstappen', and the smallest of mistakes which elsewhere would result in nothing more than as spin or a trip through the kitty litter usually result in tears on the mean streets of Monaco.
Quickest strategy today is a one-stopper, according to Pirelli, one stint on hypersoft for 14 laps then supersofts to the flag. The second-quickest is also a one-stopper, with one stint on ultrasofts for 25 laps then supersofts to the flag.
As we know, the leading ten will all start on the hypers, while those behind will have a free choice. This will surely mean the likes of Verstappen opt for the ultras and a long opening stint, while also hoping for a safety car. As ever, undercuts and overcuts will play a significant part in the strategy.
Indeed, looking at Pirelli's suggested strategy, with some drivers complaining the hypers are only good for 5 or 6 laps could we see some two-stop strategies. Not for nothing is Monaco - like Las Vegas - synonymous with gambling.
Following three days of bright sunshine, around an hours before the scheduled start it begins to rain. It's not heavy, but the clouds surrounding the Principality suggest that it could deteriorate.
The pitlane opens at 14:40 and one by one the drivers head out.
The rain has stopped - though the clouds remain - and while the air temperature is 25 degrees C, the track temperature is 33 degrees. Race control confirsm that the chance of rain is 20%.
"The aim is to finish the race," responds Verstappen when asked if he is targeting a points finish.
As well as the leading ten, Sirotkin and Hartley are on hypersofts, the rest are on ultras. No takers for the supersofts.
As they head off on the parade lap, the stewards have noted that Sirotkin's wheels were not fitted in time for the 3-minute signal.
All get away cleanly for the parade lap.
Ricciardo leads the field around the track before finally taking his place on pole. Last to take their place is teammate Verstappen.
They're away, and despite a good start from Vettel, Ricciardo is also away well moving to the centre of the track in a bid to hold off the German and Hamilton. Into Ste Devote Vettel is almost alongside the Red Bull but not quite and as they head up the hill it's Ricciardo, Vettel, Hamilton, Raikkonen and Bottas, with Ocon and Alonso hot on their heels.
At the back Verstappen is already past Grosjean and Magnussen
At the end of lap 1, it's Ricciardo, Vettel, Hamilton, Raikkonen, Bottas, Ocon, Alonso, Sainz, Perez and Gasly. Hartley reports contact that has cost him his front wing but he doesn't pit.
Grosjean is also unhappy (again) complaining that someone almost pushed him off. "What the fudge," he screams, or words to that effect.
Out front Ricciardo is setting a strong pace as he builds a 1.59s comfort zone.
"Pace is quite slow," says Hamilton, Ricciardo obviously nursing his tyres.
The stewards confirm that they are now investigating Sirotkin's pre-race wheel issue.
Verstappen makes short work of Ericsson to take 17th.
Down in 11th, Hulkenberg also complains about the slow pace, even though he's 19s down on the leader.
As Sirotkin gets a 10s stop-and-go penalty, Verstappen is all over the Russian's teammate Stroll.
Hamilton reports of graining to his front right, as Verstappen out-brakes Stroll into the chicane.
At the end of lap 7, Sirotkin serves his penalty. He rejoins in last position.
A new fastest lap from Hamilton (16.988) on lap 8 as he maintains a 1.8s deficit to Vettel and 1s lead over Raikkonen.
Not for the first time this year, Alonso and countryman Sainz find themselves battling for position.
Out front, Ricciardo responds with a new fastest lap (16.872) as he extends his lead to 1.8s.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Monaco, here.
Stroll has a left-front puncture and is slowly heading back to the pits. He gets there just as he is about to be lapped by Ricciardo.
The Canadian gets a new front wing and switches to the supersofts. All of which relegates Williams to the last two places.
Magnussen complains of debris at the hairpin, possibly from Stroll's car.
Leclerc now under pressure from Verstappen who has passed Hartley.
Hamilton pits at the end of lap 12, switching to ultras he rejoins in 6th behind Ocon and ahead of Alonso.
Sirotkin is under investigation again after his team is alleged to have worked on his car during his stop-and-go penalty.
A new fastest lap from Ricciardo (15.562) as Hartley pits.
Replay shows Stroll hitting the rear of Ericsson earlier after out-braking himself.
Hamilton passes Ocon and sets about hunting down Bottas.
"If you can maintain this pace stay out," Vettel is told. Raikkonen gets a similar call.
Leclerc pits at the end of lap 14 which sees Verstappen promoted to 13th.
Now Sainz complains of debris at the hairpin.
Hartley is under investigation for speeding in the pitlane. However, no further action is to be taken over Sirotkin.
Vettel pits at the end of lap 16, switching to ultras he rejoins in third ahead of Bottas and Verstappen.
Next time around Ricciardo pits, as does Raikkonen, they rejoin in first and fourth. Bottas also pits and rejoins in seventh on supers. Ericsson and Magnussen also pit.
Before his stop Raikkonen was very, very unhappy with his tyres, complaining that he was losing 2s a lap.
As Alonso pits from 6th at the end of lap 19, Verstappen is all over the back of his McLaren teammate.
Alonso rejoins just ahead of the Vandoorne/Verstappen battle.
"Good stuff," Vandoorne is told, the Belgian's defence of his position clearly aiding teammate Alonso.
Vandoorne subsequently pits, rejoining in 17th on supers.
Talking of the supersofts, Bottas is currently doing a good job on the red-banded tyre, closing in on Ocon at a rate of knots.
Perez pits at the end of lap 21, but an issue with one of his wheels costs him precious time and he rejoins in 15th. In 5th, Ocon is losing ground and will clearly need to pit soon.
"What is the point of even racing now," complains Stroll, the Canadian, like his teammate, a lap down on the rest of the field.
Hartley is given a 5s penalty for speeding in the pitlane.
Ocon pits at the end of lap 23 and rejoins in 8th.
Raikkonen is closing on Hamilton, Ricciardo having previously asked about the Finn's pace.
"You're doing a really good job," Ricciardo is told, "just look after these tyres."
After 25 laps (of 78), it's: Ricciardo, Vettel, Hamilton, Raikkonen, Bottas, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Ocon, Alonso and Verstappen. Though of those, Gasly, Hulkenberg and Verstappen have yet to stop.
"There's something wrong with the downshifts," reports Verstappen. "I'm getting rear locking. I almost ran off the track"
Shortly after, Ricciardo reports: "I'm losing power." Indeed, his lap times are around 0.8s slower than Vettel's.
"I think he has a problem," reports Vettel as he follows Ricciardo through the tunnel. "Yeah he has a problem with the power unit, keep pushing," the German is told.
"We can see what's going on," Ricciardo is told. "You just need to keep it smooth, keep focused."
Currently 0.74s down on Raikkonen, Bottas is understood to be on the best tyres at present.
"Negative," is the response, when Ricciardo asks if his situation will improve.
"I told you about this tyre," says Hamilton. "All tyres have the same issue," he is told.
With graining to his left-front, Vettel is now 1.5s down on the struggling Ricciardo.
Indeed, Bottas, Ocon and Alonso are the current pace-setters. Running 5th, 8th and 9th, all three are on the supersofts.
Reporting that his tyres are going to be "bald", Hamilton is told that everyone is in the same boat. His engineer omits to tell him about the supersoft runners.
"Is there anything different I can do to help, gear shifts or anything?" ask Ricciardo, as Stroll heads back to the pits very slowly again. Switching to hypers the Canadian returns to the action still in last place.
Despite his issues, Hamilton finally appears to have shaken off Raikkonen who is now under attack from countryman Bottas.
As Gasly pits at the end of lap 37, Ricciardo and Vettel are both lapping in the low 1:20s, well over a second off the pace.
Gasly rejoins in tenth behind Verstappen.
On fresh hypers, Stroll posts a new fastest lap (15.478).
"Graining's definitely not cleaning up," warns Hamilton. "Other cars are stabilising," he is told, "we will react if we need to."
"We believe Ricciardo has a power unit issue which is limiting his lap times," Hamilton is advised, but a clearly frustrated Briton is only concerned with his own tyre issues.
Vettel reports a "blackout" on his dashboard.
"Your tyres are in very good shape," Ricciardo is told. They don't mention his engine.
Despite Hamilton's constant complaining and the best efforts of Pete Bonnington to placate him, the Briton is just 2.8s down on the leader.
Activity in the Red Bull garage on lap 44 suggests Verstappen will be pitting soon.
Sixth placed Hulkenberg, who is the only driver still to stop, is currently the fastest man on track.
Ricciardo is understood to be losing around 20km/h in the final sector alone, but maintains 1.4s lead over Vettel.
"My rear tyres are gone, I'm just sliding on four wheels," says Verstappen. He subsequently pits, switches to hypers and rejoins in 11th.
Behind the leading five, Hulkenberg remains sixth - but has still to stop - ahead of Ocon, Alonso, Gasly, Sainz, Verstappen, Hartley and Leclerc. Currently there are no retirements.
"We can't see any warning on your dash, so what you're doing now is really good," Ricciardo is advised.
"The left-front is close to zero," warns Hamilton.
Hulkenberg finally pits at the end of lap 50, as Vettel closes to within 0.8s off Ricciardo only to drop back again.
Sirotkin also pits as Hulkenberg, now on hypers, rejoins in 10th
Gasly is all over Alonso as they battle for seventh.
Alonso suddenly slows. "I have no power," he says. The Spaniard subsequently pulls to the side of the track. "Gearbox, gearbox," he reports.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Monaco, here.
Double-yellows are waved as the McLaren is pushed to safety, but no VSC, much to frustration of the leaders.
Sainz has his mirrors full of his teammate and Verstappen. While he will need to allow his quicker teammate through, how does he hold off the Red Bull?
Heading up the hill from Ste Devote, Sainz allows his teammate through, but ensure Verstappen doesn't follow. "Thank you," says Hulkenberg.
The Spaniard continues to aid his teammate, holding the Red Bull at bay.
Out front, Vettel closes in on Ricciardo once again.
As they continue to battle Sainz cuts the chicane and stays ahead of Verstappen. A lap later it is the Red Bull that misses the chicane, taking a bumpy ride over the kerb, and in the process gets past the Renault. In both instances one driver complains about the other.
"Can you check the gearbox," says Verstappen.
In clear air, Verstappen posts a new fastest lap (14.847). Next time around he goes even quicker (14.260).
Stroll makes his third stop of the afternoon on lap 61, the Williams driver now 2 laps down on the leader.
On his fresh rubber, Hulkenberg is now all over Gasly.
With 15 laps remaining, Vettel is 0.92s down on Ricciardo, Hamilton + 4.9s, Raikkonen + 8.8s, Bottas + 9.8s, Ocon + 20s, Gasly + 23s and Hulekbner and Verstappen + 24s.
Hulkenberg and Verstappen are over Gasly like a rash.
"Make sure any future overtakes are kept clean in future," Verstappen is told.
"Tyres graining," complains Hamilton, however there are no words of comfort, he is merely told to manage them for the remaining 13 laps.
While Vettel maintains a 1.3s gap to the leader, Hamilton has dropped back to 5s. Further back, Bottas is now under threat from Ocon.
A late stop (lap 70) for Grosjean who switches to the hypers.
Told he's got a penalty for speeding in the pitlane, Hartley replies: "Really? Tell them to double-check."
Ocon continues to reel in Bottas who is just 0.993s down on Raikkonen.
Leclerc has no chance of stopping at the chicane and slams into the back of Hartley's Toro Rosso.
The VSC is deployed as Hartley pits. Leclerc is out on the spot.
Replay suggests the Sauber driver suffered brake failure. Indeed, on board footage showed him as a mere passenger.
Despite the deployment of the VSC the leaders have already passed the pit entrance so no stoppages first time around. Indeed, Vandoorne is the only driver to pit.
The VSC is withdrawn on lap 7, as Vandoorne rejoins the race between Ricciardo and Vettel.
Unable to get heat back into his tyres, Vettel loses almost 5s to the leader. Hamilton also loses a lot of time as he suffers similar issues.
Hulkenberg and Verstappen continue to harry Gasly.
A big lock up on the run down to Mirabeau but the German keeps it all together.
Told there are three laps to go, Ricciardo responds: "I've got it buddy!" Indeed, the Australian bangs in a 16.801 as he extends his lead to 7.6s.
Ricciardo begins the final lap, as Bottas continues to hunt countryman Raikkonen.
He takes the flag, for surely one of the most popular wins in living memory.
Vettel finishes second, ahead of Hamilton, Raikkonen, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Verstappen and Sainz.
Ericsson is eleventh, ahead of Perez, Magnussen, Vandoorne, Grosjean, Sirotkin and Stroll.
"Absolutely amazing," says Ricciardo over his radio, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know how you did that," comes the reply. "Redemption," says the Australian.
"Un-*******-believable," says Christian Horner, "you have done an amazing job today, that's right up there with what Schumacher did in 1995 (Barcelona), this is payback for 2016."
"Give Prince Albert a Shoey," adds Horner.
"I think we had the pace, but it was a tricky race," says Vettel. "I think Daniel had the answers at all times. First stint I could follow him really easy, and then his tyres were better. I was going through the tyres really quick. Next stint was about the same, I think he had a problem halfway through with the MGU-K, so towards the end I picked up again. And then at the re-start I just didn't have much confidence in the tyres so I lost out. It would have been nice to keep the pressure to the end."
Asked how he feels (groan), Ricciardo replies: "Good. I think I can show more emotion than yesterday. Two years in the making, I finally feel like the redemption has arrived.
"We had problems," he continues, "I don't know how much the radio broadcast, but we had a lot to do during the race. I think it was before halfway when I felt a loss of power and I thought the race was done. But we got home just using six gears, and thanks to the team we got it back. So I'm stoked.
"There were a few doubts mid-race," he admits, "but, yeh... we won Monaco. It feels good"
"Big congratulations to Red Bull and Daniel," says Hamilton. "It would have been nice to be second, and I did everything I could. It was an interesting race."
As he stands on the podium for the anthems, a grin from ear-to-ear, what a change from 2016 when he looked ready to burst into tears.
The trophies handed out, the anthems played, the podium pictures taken, Prince Albert and his wife are not quick enough to escape as the Champagne begins to fill the air, Vettel particularly quick off the mark.
Finally, responding to the demands of his team, there a Shoey, even though F1 has now trademarked it.
And so, if nothing else, as we head to Canada, which usually produces one of the more thrilling races of the year, we can look back on Monaco 2018 as having taught us one interesting lesson... sometimes nice guys do win.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Monaco, here.