F1 news: Monaco GP preview - Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris look ahead to closely contested showdown
Despite the Monaco Grand Prix being renowned for overtaking difficulties due to the street circuit’s compact nature, star drivers Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris expect a thrilling, tightly-contested battle nonetheless on Sunday.
"I think Monaco is actually going to be one of those races where these cars might be very good," Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said, regarding the change in regulations this season which has impacted power units and chassis - resulting in lighter, nimble cars.
"We now have lighter cars, which I think is a good thing, we can definitely feel that and, for a track like Monaco, this has its benefits,” he continued.
"I think the electric side is going to be a lot less big in Monaco just because we'll be recharging quite a bit with all the corners that there are.
"So, I'm quite excited for Monaco, it should be a good track for these cars."
Antonelli: ‘Expect more overtaking than usual’
Mercedes young star and championship frontrunner Kimi Antonelli expects a more daring display from drivers in terms of overtaking.
"We may see some overtaking because cars are smaller," Antonelli said, quoted on Sky Sports.
"Of course, you will still have to commit massively to make the move stick, but I think it's not going to be impossible.
"I also think it's going to be more fun to drive the car around the track. It's going to be interesting with the smaller cars, with the battery.
"Obviously there were talks with the FIA with closing speeds. I think Monaco is not going to be an issue [for that] because it's super easy for the battery because you don't have long straights, so we won't face that issue at all on track."
READ MORE: F1 news: Kimi Antonelli surges to third-straight victory at Miami Grand Prix
‘Monaco could address power unit problems’ says Norris
Drivers have faced issues this season on the straight, particularly in qualifying due to the regulations’ impact on the power they have in reserve in the final sectors of laps.
This is due to the 50% increase of electronic power, which limits the drivers’ ability to drive full throttle over the course of an entire lap.
Addressing how this issue could differ in Monaco, McLaren driver Lando Norris said: "Monaco might be one where you can just push flat out confidently knowing that there are no issues.
"But you're still going to be thinking of gears, revs, boost pressure, all of these things in every corner.
"I have not done it on the simulator yet so I don't know how many complications come from some of those issues at times, but there'll certainly be less issues by having to be at the top of the pack before long straights and things like that.
"But Monaco is always special no matter what car you're in, no matter how much electricity you've got in it or not.
"Certainly, Monaco is one of the ones, especially qualifying, you look forward to more than anything," the current world champion added.
The lights go out for the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, June 7.
