Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
OPINION: Max Verstappen might’ve roared to a third pole of the 2023 Formula 1 season in Monaco qualifying, but the field’s journey across the session was the highlight of the year so far. That’s good for the Monaco event, but bad for the championship overall
The shock as he crossed the line came first. In a split second, it turned to elation – an upset really is on. Finally, it was euphoria – cheering, fist-clenching delight. Esteban Ocon was leading a 2023 Formula 1 Q3 in an Alpine and in with a chance of pole. It was nothing like we’ve seen so far this season.
Sure, Fernando Alonso launching past Sergio Perez off the line in Jeddah and the two Mercedes drivers doing likewise to Max Verstappen in Australia was a nice surprise for the neutral. But this was surely tempered by the knowledge Red Bull’s impressive top speed would have its drivers back to their rightful – thanks to building the class of the 2023 field – places soon enough.
Share Or Save This Story
WEC Imola: Fuoco completes Ferrari's practice sweep in red-flagged FP3
Ferrari F1 drivers split over China sprint race clash talks
Aston Martin protests F1 Chinese GP qualifying results after Sainz red flag crash
WRC Croatia: Neuville edges clear of Evans, Ogier in pursuit
The short-term pain that hides a very real Williams improvement
How a Shanghai to Sheffield journey paved the way for China’s F1 hero
Why F1 2026 worst-case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
