Hamilton: Monaco requires the highest degree of concentration

Lewis Hamilton and Marcus Dudley, one of the engineers who worked on the seven-time world champion’s car, talked about the characteristics of the Monaco track and how we should prepare for this race.

Lewis Hamilton: “As a child I watched the Monaco Grand Prix on TV, saw the legendary racers run through the tunnel and it was absolutely breathtaking. It seemed to me that all this was happening in a faraway land that I could only dream of.

I remember even then I wanted to live there and race on this track. And when I first went to the start of the race in Monaco, the feeling was indescribable.

When I won this Grand Prix in 2008, I felt like I had climbed the highest peak in the world. To win in Monaco, many factors have to come together; on this track you can only perform at full strength.

It requires the maximum degree of concentration, the highest psychological calm. The circle there is quite short, there are no long straights and it is more likely not to involve physical exertion as there are no fast corners on this track, therefore there are no overloads as you experience in Barcelona for example.

But in Monaco it seems to you that the speed is much higher, because you have to think and process information much faster. Usually after this race you come to your senses for a few days to restore a normal psychological state.

To do a fast lap in qualifying in Monaco, you need a good car that can develop a lot of downforce, but at the same time be light enough and corner well. Of course, the ratio between power and weight of the machine must also be correct.

A good starting position is also important so that the track is clear for you. Determination is important, one must be willing to lightly touch the barriers. In general, on this track you should be able to solve the tasks it puts on you.

But when it rains, the approach must be radically changed, as the race turns into a lottery. This opens up many more opportunities, though also increases the likelihood of failure, making you even more nervous.

The cars are now bigger and wider than ever and the track width has remained the same. At the same time, speeds have become even higher, reducing the chances of overtaking and increasing the risk of accidents – which is why it is so important to perform well in qualifying in Monaco.

Marcus DudleyMercedes engineer working on car #44: “Of course everyone is looking forward to the weekend in Monaco, and of course everyone wants to win this Grand Prix if the opportunity arises.

On this track you have to adjust the aerodynamic body kit for maximum downforce, and in addition we have to change the car settings – change the steering geometry, all because of the hairpin, the slowest corner in the Formula 1 calendar.

In addition, you have to increase the ground clearance slightly there and make the suspension softer, because urban roads can be quite uneven.

It is necessary to tune the cars so that the drivers can drive comfortably. She must have stable and predictable reactions so that they can get closer to the limit with each round.

When a Grand Prix is ​​held on a track like Monaco, you cannot ask drivers to change the position of the switches on the steering wheel after every corner, as this increases the chance of errors and any miscalculation leads to a loss of time. Very much so. it is important that all settings are optimal, this makes it possible to minimize the need to operate switches.

Qualifying in Monaco is very important because it is extremely difficult to overtake during the race. This means that the starting position should be as high as possible. Every mistake here will cost you dearly and affect the rest of the weekend.”