What an exciting weekend, the one just spent in the Principality! Once again Monte-Carlo has given great emotions as part of the most extraordinary motor sport challenge, like the legendary car tracks of Le Mans and Indianapolis. The 78^th F1 Monaco Grand Prix, result of a long tradition lasting since 1929, shone in the heart of the most sparkling street track of the entire F1 World Championship. A success that was granted by the outstanding know-how of the Automobile Club de Monaco which has contributed decisively to make it even more safe and internationally renowned.

F1 Monaco Grand Prix: the great sport show was back to revive — Red Bull competing on the race track (F1 Monaco Grand Prix, 23rd May 2021).© ACM

Starting from the Free Practice Session on Thursday the 20^th it was a crescendo of emotions through a surprising ranking head to head between Monaco’s champion, Charles Leclerc and his colleague, Carlos Sainz Jr., both from Scuderia Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) took his 3^rd place outplacing Max Verstappen (Red Bull).

Saturday’s Qualifying Sessions made quite a show in the best Monaco’s tradition. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) did strike and carried ‘at home’ the best timing, despite a mistake in the final part of Q3 which partly damaged the right side of the new Ferrari after bumping into the barriers at the exit of the Swimming Pool in Port Hercules. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) followed him on the chart. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) handled himself well with a very good performance and conquered the second row in the Pole with Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), leaving behind the other opponents.

Lando Norris (McLaren) and Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) on the 3^rd row while Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) on the 4^th row. A spectacular collision at the Casino downhill, without any injuries, involving Mick Schumacher, the son of the seven-time World Champion Michael, made everybody’s adrenaline go up.

On Sunday, everything seemed to be for the best for Charles Leclerc’s pole position until shortly before departure of the Grand Prix. Further unexpected issues forced the decision to withdraw from the race with great regret of the Monaco’s champion and his numerous supporters. After seventy-eight laps of sweat and pressure between hairpins and chicanes, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) crossed the finish line the first, being in the lead throughout the challenge. His first Monaco’s achievement led the team to the top of the racing car manufacturers’ leader board. The top-ranked tennis player, Serena Williams, decreed his victory by waving the chequered flag.

A deserved second place went to Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) who made a great performance earning one point in the podium about halfway the Grand Prix. Third place for Lando Norris (McLaren) who took advantage over Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) forced to stop in the pits.

Such a breath-taking edition of Monaco Grand Prix ended with the official award ceremony where the most prestigious trophies were awarded to the champions by Prince Albert II of Monaco and His nephews Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi, warmly supported by the whole Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari teams, headed by Charles Leclerc who showed an extraordinary team spirit.