Monaco GP preview: Make mine a double

I used to have a receipt on my wall, the proof that I’d paid €154 for two gin and tonics in Monaco. To be fair, I believe they were doubles.

The thing is, all the rules are different in Monaco. The rules about tax are different. The rules about G&T pricing are different. And the rules about F1 are different.

The Monaco Grand Prix runs on a small, slippy, narrow circuit that chokes off overtaking manoeuvres, punishes mistakes and bears no resemblance whatsoever to the modern F1 tracks, with their oh-so-neat corners and huge run-off areas.

And it’s a classic. There’s always glamour, there’s always action, there’s always the threat (or promise) of a safety car. Here are a few reasons why this year’s race could be a cracker.

Bring on the pass masters

Because Monaco is a devil of a circuit to overtake on, those drivers who do go for glory have a chance of being remembered for their courage or, often enough, foolhardy optimism.

Think back to Michael Schumacher taking Alex Wurz twice within the space of a single 1998 lap (the first time with a gentle nudge, the second time with a less gentle nudge); or Ayrton Senna (pictured) going the long way past Lauda in the rain of 1984.

The current crop of F1 drivers has some cracking overtakers, especially at the younger end of the grid.

In particular, the Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and super-kid Max Verstappen should probably be fitted with bumpers this weekend.

Their cars will perform well on this tight circuit, and their relative lack of power won’t be such an issue – especially for Ricciardo, who will be running an upgraded engine.

Ricciardo has gone in for some pretty dramatic lunges of late and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t try to throw one or two dramatic moves on raceday.

And I won’t be surprised if one of those moves also results in the safety car coming out – Monaco bites anyone who steps out of line, whether that’s trying to overtake or trying to avoid being overtaken.

Rubber lucky

We’ll get to see Pirelli’s ultrasoft 2016 tyre make its debut, and teams are expected to make the most of its remarkable grip.

Even with the softest possible selection of tyres, a one-stop race is perfectly realistic, given that this circuit is the easiest on tyres on the entire F1 calendar.

But there are two factors that could throw up some surprises.

Firstly, because Monaco is the slowest F1 circuit , it can be particularly difficult to warm up tyres.

For those drivers who struggle to get heat into their tyres at the best of times, that is bad news. Yes, we’re looking at you, Kimi (pictured).

Secondly, there could be rain on Sunday. It’s been a long time since a wet Monaco GP and, if it does rain, anything could happen (and the safety car driver will be wishing he had negotiated an overtime clause in his contract).

Boiled Ham

Lewis Hamilton (pictured) should be wound up for this race. If he’s not, then his season is over.

It’s not just that he’s had a grotty start to the 2016 campaign. It’s not just that the shadow of that Barcelona Mercedes mash-up is still casting a long shadow over the team (this week Hamilton told Rosberg, ‘I still have respect for you’, while Rosberg dodged questions about the issue. They’re fooling no one).

It’s not even that Monaco is where Rosberg infamously parked his car in the Mirabeau escape road, ruining Hamilton’s qualification hopes and putting the former friends on a war footing.

And it’s not that Hamilton would have won last year had Mercedes not pitted him unnecessarily.

No, it’s all of that and more. Hamilton has won here, for various reasons, only once – back in 2008. Rosberg, meanwhile, has had the rub of the green and won the last three years.

A victory for Lewis on Sunday would be of crucial importance both in the championship race and in the in-team battle with Nico.

The thing is, it’s just not been that sort of a season for Lewis… let’s see.

Return of the Mac?

Further down the grid, behind the frustrated Ferraris and bullish Red Bulls, McLaren are finally starting to show some (admittedly midfield) form. The weak Honda engine is less of a handicap here.

Well, if it doesn’t blow up.

Alonso (pictured) likes this year’s car, its aero and chassis package should ensure it is suited to Monaco’s particular challenges and the team will be disappointed if both Alonso and Button finish out of the points.

Ideally, a good Saturday and a wet Sunday would boost McLaren’s hopes of giving Toro Rosso a run for their money.

A bin? It’s next to the cupholder

Finally, a little bit of history is made this weekend as F1 leads the way in automotive safety by banning drivers from chucking their tear-off visor strips out of the car.

F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone believes the example this sets will stop van drivers lobbing half-eaten gherkins on to the A12, and discourage salespeople in sundry Vauxhalls from flicking M&S sandwich wrappers all over the M25.

If only.

Actually, the F1 tear-offs can get sucked in by cars, causing engines and brakes to overheat (Alonso has fallen victim to this a couple of times).

Now, spectators’ plastic bags and crisp packets can have a similar effect but, from this weekend, at least drivers won’t have to worry about being wiped out by a tear-off.

Well, that’s assuming they can find somewhere in the car to stow the things.

So, if you see your F1 hero rummaging around in his cockpit at 180mph, don’t panic: he’s probably just torn himself a new one.