VETTEL WINS MONACO GRAND PRIX FOR FERRARI

Ferrari leading the Monaco Grand Prix – Photo: LAT

Sebastian Vettel has taken the win in the Monaco Grand Prix after taking the lead with a different strategy call.

Ferrari’s Kimi Räikkönen, who started from pole, lead during the early stage of the race. Holding off the challenge of team mate Vettel during the opening 30 laps of the race. 

Going for the under cut, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen kicked of the pitstop cycle on lap 33, triggering stops for both Valtteri Bottas and Räikkönen. Which handed the lead of the race to Vettel. 

Verstappen’s Red Bull team mate Daniel Ricciardo, went for the alternate strategy, running long with the track clear in front. The move worked for the Aussie, moving past both Bottas and Verstappen after his pitstop to settle into third in the race. 

Vettel, also benefited from the long strategy, and maintained the lead of the race after his pit stop. Returning to the track just in front of Räikkönen.

The Safety Car made an appearance on Lap 61 when Jenson Button and Pascal Wehrlein made contact at Portier. Wehrlein’s Sauber ending up parked on it’s side up against the wall, the result of the accident looking more dramatic that it turned out to be. However neither car would continue the race. 

The safety car interruption triggered several more incidents with Marcus Ericsson, Stoffel Vandoorne and Daniil Kvyat all crashing out of the Grand Prix in the final ten laps.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton recovered from a shocking qualifying performance (13th) to finish seventh.

Sebastian Vettel wins the Monaco for Ferrari – Photo: LAT

The incidents wouldn’t change the final result, with Vettel winning over Räikkönen. Ricciardo taking the final place on the podium, even after glancing the wall at the first turn.

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