In a few hours, one of the most dramatic events of the Formula 1 season will begin.
Qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix.
While the race itself has become something of a procession, as overtaking is rather difficult on the narrow Monte Carlo streets, Saturday’s qualifying session rarely fails to deliver drama. The lack of overtaking — which the sport’s governing body hopes a new mandatory two-stop rule will change — means qualifying up front takes on greater importance in Monaco.
That means each driver is going to push their cars, and themselves, beyond the limits. But with the walls, and danger, looming around every corner disaster is lurking with every turn of the wheel.
What drama awaits us on this Saturday? We are about to find out. SB Nation will have full, live coverage of today’s qualifying session, so come back throughout the day as qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix unfolds.
Note: All updates are in Eastern time.
Pre-qualifying notes
9:50: Alex Brundle on F1TV stressing the importance of banker laps during qualifying at Monaco.
9:33: FP3 is in the books and Charles Leclerc has completed a practice sweep, topping the timing sheets in all three sessions.
It was not all good news for Ferrari, as Lewis Hamilton hit the barrier through Massenet, which brought out the red flag with just two minutes remaining.
