Key events
There is a lot of celebrity spotting going in Monte Carlo. Michael Douglas, Kylian Mbappe and lots of young famous people.
A tricky day in store for Verstappen.
Nigel Mansell has had a natter with our very own Giles Richards.
The big news is that I am trying a new brand of mint tea for the Unwin household. Will it be welcome back long term? One way to find out.
What happened yesterday.
Starting grid:
1. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
2. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
3. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4. Lando Norris, McLaren
5. George Russell, Mercedes
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
7. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
8. Yuki Tsunoda, RB
9. Alex Albon, Williams
10. Pierre Gasly, Alpine
11. Esteban Ocon, Alpine
12. Daniel Ricciardo, RB
13. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
14. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
15. Logan Sargeant, Williams
16. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
17. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber
18. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber
19. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
20. Kevin Magnussen, Haas
Preamble
Charles Leclerc starts on pole and Max Verstappen is way down in sixth after an underwhelming qualifying session. Can the Red Bull perform some magical overtaking on a notoriously difficult circuit for such events? It will be intriguing to see.
This is Leclerc’s home race and he knows more than most what needs to be done to keep the chasing pack in his rear view mirror. The Frenchman winning this grand prix would be the culmination of a lifelong dream but life is rarely that simple, and there will be plenty behind him eager to chase him down.
Verstappen can comfort himself by the fact he starts 48 points clear atop the drivers’ championship and will be confident that no one will be able to catch him over the course of the season.
Race start: 2pm BST.
