The Monaco Grand Prix is the most famous of all races on the F1 calendar. Along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. After scoring no points at all in any of the first five events of the season, the Monaco circuit which is not so dependent on engine power could well provide the teams’ first point or points of the year. With clear progress being shown at Catalunya with both cars into the second part of qualifying for the first time since 2014 and generally strong race pace compared to the likes of Force India and Sauber, the signs are all there for McLaren to get some much-needed points on the board. With how tight the midfield is currently, fifth to tenth is separated by just 19 points in the championship, equivalent to less than a fourth and a sixth place. McLaren are right in this mix as it stands.
2015 Monaco Grand Prix McLaren Preview
No. 14 Fernando Alonso
2015 Form: -/R/12/11/R
2014 Result: Q: P5, R: P4
Alonso has won here for McLaren in the past back in 2007, albeit in controversial circumstances as team mate Lewis Hamilton felt that Alonso was being favorited. Despite showing pace which he felt was good enough for points at Catalunya, the Spaniard retired from the race. Alonso has generally gone well around the principality, and he will almost certainly be one to watch over the weekend.
No. 20 Jenson Button
2015 Form: 11/R/14/-/16
2014 Result: Q: P12, R: P6
The 2009 winner described his car as ‘scary’ last time out. With the barriers being very close at Monaco, Button will probably be thankful to not end up in the walls at any point this weekend. With some somewhat erratic form across this season, a trouble-free weekend for the Brit would be welcome, especially if the car is good enough for points as predicted by some. Button is currently enduring his worst start to a season since 2007, where he drove a woeful Honda.
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