Sky Sports viewers in the UK and those watching on TV around the world may notice a difference compared to the usual Monaco Grand Prix broadcasts when they watch this weekend's race. Monaco is the next stop on the Formula 1 calendar β and this year's race in the principality may look a little different to those watching from home. Once the 'crown jewel' of the F1 season, fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the Monte Carlo race in recent years.
The cars are bigger than ever and, on the slow, tight and twisty Monegasque streets, it makes overtaking extremely difficult. While the danger makes qualifying thrilling viewing, the main race itself is usually devoid of much passing action. And the other gripe TV viewers have had in recent years has been about the direction β many of those moments of excitement have been missed, such as when the pictures cut away from a battle between Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly in The Monaco race has been unique in recent years, in that Tele Monte Carlo has retained control of the broadcast production.
But that will change this years as Mirror Sport understands F1 will be in charge of the pictures for the first time in this event's long and stories history. Fans will hope it will lead to fewer big moments being missed so that they can at least see those pieces of action when they do come along.
And their other wish for the weekend will be for a more exciting race than has generally been produced on the streets of Monaco in recent years. Max Verstappen and Red Bull will, of course, be the favourites for victory again this weekend, while Sergio Perez may also fancy his chances. But, with overtaking so difficult here, a strong qualifying performance from a rival might see the likes of Charles Leclerc , Fernando Alonso or perhaps even Lewis Hamilton or George Russell compete for victory.
That said, recent results have proven that pole position is still no guarantee of glory in Monaco. All but one of those who went quickest in qualifying won the races between and β but that has happened only twice more in the eight editions of the Grand Prix since.
