Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
OPINION: Max Verstappen might’ve roared to a third pole of the 2023 Formula 1 season in Monaco qualifying, but the field’s journey across the session was the highlight of the year so far. That’s good for the Monaco event, but bad for the championship overall
The shock as he crossed the line came first. In a split second, it turned to elation – an upset really is on. Finally, it was euphoria – cheering, fist-clenching delight. Esteban Ocon was leading a 2023 Formula 1 Q3 in an Alpine and in with a chance of pole. It was nothing like we’ve seen so far this season.
Sure, Fernando Alonso launching past Sergio Perez off the line in Jeddah and the two Mercedes drivers doing likewise to Max Verstappen in Australia was a nice surprise for the neutral. But this was surely tempered by the knowledge Red Bull’s impressive top speed would have its drivers back to their rightful – thanks to building the class of the 2023 field – places soon enough.
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