This is the Monaco Grand Prix, which is the most glamourous event among the calendar. Twenty-four F1 cars ran through the Monte Carlo besides emerald green of Cote d’Azure. Mark is the last year’s winner of the Principality.
“We know this is one of the most prestigious races of the year,” explained him. “The dramatic coast line and cliffs make an incredible backdrop to one of the most famous tracks in the world - it’s clearly like no other circuit we race at.”
Sebastian has wished to win in Monaco for the first time in addition to the four victories of this successful season. However, on the other hand, he knows well that it’s not an easy target.
“It’s remarkable to drive an F1 car around Monaco,” said him. “It’s a completely unique track and a unique challenge for the driver. You have to push as hard as on a normal race track, but the smallest mistake can bring a big penalty.”
The cars can’t get enough downforce from the wind with such a low speed in the street of Monte Carlo. It means that the RB7 doesn’t have enough opportunity to show its real speed and the drivers have to face at the limit of their driving ability. And another crucial factor is the Qualifying at this track where we can see a few overtake maneuvers every year. Sebastian claimed the factor on Saturday this time.
“It's a long way around this track,” said him. “Qualifying is tough, there are three segments and you have to give 100% in each one. My laps in Q1 and Q2 were not perfect, but in Q3 it was spot on.”
Mark only could third grid and admitted “It's possible to win from P3 but, that said, qualifying is crucial here and pole is certainly a nice benefit to have.” But Sebastian never be off his guard saying “Pole position is very important here, but there's no guarantee for tomorrow's race.”
The race started under the blue sky. Sebastian led but it happened at their first pit stop. There was no tyre prepared because of radio communication problem. Sebastian had to wear wrong compound and Mark had to stop and wait for some seconds and he lost a chance of victory.
“There was a radio communication problem within the team,” explained Mark. “So they weren't properly prepared. When you wait here, you lose track position and you have to wait behind people, so it was not bad to get fourth from there.”
Sebastian altered his strategy into one stop. There was a lot of risk of tyre fracture, but it was the only way to keep Ferrari and McLaren behind and challenge for the victory. And in fact, Sebastian and Red Bull Racing did it!
“It's difficult to describe today; it's a great feeling,” smiled Sebastian. “Today it was a crazy race. It's difficult to imagine you can one-stop at this race, but that's more or less what we did. The safety car helped us, but it was no walk in the park to do roughly 60 laps on the same set of tyres - our estimation was not allowing that! We took a lot of risks, but that made today's win even sweeter. A fantastic result and a huge honour to put my name on the list of Monaco race winners.”
Delighted Sebastian and the guys expressed their joy by jumping into the pool of Energy Station again and again after the race. Hardship in Monaco brought the highest honour and delight.
