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    Ben Hunt: Red Bull CAN be ‘Invincibulls’ and win EVERY race this term as Verstappen turns F1 season into procession

    CHRISTIAN HORNER says there is no way his Red Bull team can win every race this season — but I’m not too sure.After Max Verstappen’s dominant win in the rain-hit Monaco GP on Sunday, I asked him whether he felt it was achievable to win all the remaining 16 races having already wrapped up the first six.
    Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen could win every single F1 race this seasonCredit: Rex
    “You are trying to get me to do an Arsene Wenger here aren’t you?” he replied, with reference to the former Arsenal manager, who guided the Gunners through the 2003-2004 Premier League season without a single defeat.
    Wenger’s side, whose record was 49  games  unbeaten, are known as ‘The Invincibles’.
    But Horner is definitely in with a great chance to make his own, shall we call them, ‘Invincibulls’.
    His point is that in F1 racing there is “so much jeopardy” — pointing to the weather in Monaco and highlighting that the “competition is so strong”.
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    But really, Red Bull and 25-year-old driver Verstappen were a class above everyone else involved last weekend.
    Verstappen mastered qualifying, and while the rain did make some drama, he had pulled out such a huge gap over Fernando Alonso, it was not what you could call close.
    Where I do agree with the Red Bull boss is that Monaco needs changing if it wants to retain its place on the F1 calendar.
    Yes, there is all the history and it clearly appealed to the TikTok generation of ‘influencers’ who were chauffeured and ferried into the Principality with their mobiles at the ready.
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    But the reality is, with F1 having dull races in Azerbaijan and Miami in the two GPs before this, they needed to have some exciting racing, but there wasn’t any until the rain — and that was only due to human error.
    Horner said: “The problem we have is the cars are so big now that all venues have to evolve a little.
    “I think it would be great if there was just one area where we could create a bit of space for an overtake.
    “I’m sure with the creativeness there is, and the amount of land they’re reclaiming [from the sea around Monaco], there’s got to be the opportunity to squeeze in a bigger braking zone.
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    Verstappen could emulate Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles’ recordCredit: PA:Press Association
    “Maybe they can extend the circuit? If there is an opportunity to add another kilometre and a hairpin, that would be phenomenal.
    “It is something maybe to contemplate when you think of the next 20 years of Monaco. You don’t want to see it left behind.”
    I guess the same can be said about his rivals.

    CHEEKY Christian Horner pinched Toto Wolff’s electric scooter as the two battled through the crowds in Monaco.
    While the Mercedes boss was stopped for selfies, Red Bull supremo Horner seized the chance to nick his ride.

    WHILE the Monaco GP was in danger of being a dullard, the Indy 500 was a thriller – even if it was a bit like banger racing.
    There were crashes after crashes bringing out the red flags – I was wondering if it would ever end.
    Eventually Josef Newgarden was crowned the winner and clinched the first prize worth around £2.5 million.

    ORGANISERS of the Isle of Man TT race have introduced a new safety management system for this year’s race.
    Six riders were killed last year and changes have been made including digital red flags screens, more fast-response vehicles and a redesigned Race Control building.
    Practice for this year’s race kicked off yesterday and there will also be an additional Riders’ Briefing midway through qualifying week.
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    CELEBRITY chef Wolfgang Puck has devised a menu for Aston Martin’s VIP guests.
    Fittingly, the Austrian-American honed his skills at Monaco’s prestigious Hotel des Paris, which overlooks the circuit. More

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    F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2023: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and full schedule ahead of HUGE race in Barcelona

    MAX Verstappen triumphed in the Monaco Grand Prix, continuing Red Bull’s perfect F1 campaign.The Dutchman now has a whopping 39-point lead in the driver standings over his teammate Sergio Perez in second.
    Max Verstappen celebrates victory at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: GETTY
    Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso came second in Monaco finishing 27.9 seconds behind the champion.
    Verstappen eased to victory in last year’s F1 Spanish Grand Prix, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Perez in second.
    Lewis Hamilton holds a joint record with Michael Schumacher, both claiming six victories in the prestigious race in Spain.
    When is the Spanish Grand Prix 2023?

    The Spanish Grand Prix 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 4th.
    The Grand Prix will start at 2pm BST.
    Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the track.

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    What channel is the Spanish Grand Prix 2023 on and can it be live streamed?

    The Spanish Grand Prix 2023 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
    Sky Sports customers can live stream the race via the NOW app.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Barcelona.

    What is the schedule?
    Here is the full schedule for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend:
    Friday, June 2:

    Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
    Practice 2: 16:00-17:00 BST

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    Saturday, June 3:

    Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
    Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST

    Sunday, June 4:

    Spanish Grand Prix: 2pm BST

    What are the current F1 driver standings:

    Max Verstappen – Red Bull: 144pts
    Sergio Perez – Red Bull: 105pts
    Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin: 93pts
    Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes: 60pts
    George Russell – Mercedes: 50pts
    Carlos Sainz – Ferarri: 48pts
    Charles Leclerc – Ferrari: 42pts
    Lance Stroll – Aston Martin: 27pts
    Esteban Ocon – Alpine Renault: 21pts
    Pierre Gasly – Alpine Renault: 14pts
    Lando Norris – Mclaren: 12pts
    Nico Hulkenberg – Haas: 6pts
    Oscar Piastri – Mclaren: 5pts
    Valtteri Bottas – Alfa Romeo: 4pts
    Zhou Guanyu – Alfa Romeo: 2pts
    Yuki Tsunoda – AlphaTauri: 2pts
    Kevin Magnussen – Haas: 2pts
    Alexander Albon – Williams: 1pts
    Nyck De Vries – AlphaTauri: 0pts
    Logan Sargeant – Williams: 0pts More

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    Indy 500 star Kyle Kirkwood in horror crash as car FLIPS OVER and wheel flies towards crowd in terrifying scenes

    AMERICAN racer Kyle Kirkwood suffered a horror crash at Indy 500 as his car flipped upside down. Kirkwood collided with Felix Rosenqvist with 16 laps to go, causing worrying scenes at Speedway.
    Kyle Kirkwood suffered a horror crash at Indy 500 as his car flipped upside downCredit: Reuters
    Kyle Kirkwood slides across the barrierCredit: Reuters

    A wheel flew off of Kirkwood’s car over the fence as his car flipped, sliding down the wall and onto the middle of the track – all while on his roof.
    The medical crew were quick out to get the Andretti Autosport racer out of his car.
    Thankfully, both drivers were responsive and seemingly okay following the scary coming together.
    And fans were quick to wish both well following replays of the crash.
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    One said: “Glad that Kyle Kirkwood appears to be okay. Pleased that no one in the crowd was hurt by that flying tyre as well.”
    Another added: “Whoa!! Prayers up that Kyle Kirkwood is ok!”
    One tweeted: “Thank God Kyle Kirkwood got out of that car. What a wild ride.
    “I hope everyone in the crowd is OK. Terrifying to see a tire fly over the fence.”
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    Another wrote: “That was scary! I hope Kyle Kirkwood is going to be okay!”
    Following the huge crash, both Rosenqvist and Kirkwood were checked out at the infield care centre.
    Thankfully, Rosenqvist was able to walk away from the incident.
    Kirkwood waved to the crowd as he was stretchered away from the remains of his car.
    American racer Kyle KirkwoodCredit: Alamy More

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    Maria Sharapova, Orlando Bloom, Neymar and Kylie Minogue among celebrity royalty at star-studded Monaco GP

    NEYMAR, Maria Sharapova and Kylie Minogue were among the celebrities at a star-studded Monaco Grand Prix.A number of famous faces flocked to the iconic race to watch Max Verstappen pick up his fourth win of the season.
    From L-R, David Harbour, Christian Horner, Archie Madekwe, Orlando Bloom, Neymar, Maria Sharapova and Kylie Minogue pose for a photoCredit: Getty
    Spiderman star Tom Holland looked stylish in sunglasses and a green shirtCredit: Getty
    PSG ace Neymar did not have too far to travelCredit: Getty
    Kylie Minogue visited Red BullCredit: Getty
    Maria Sharapova and Orlando Bloom pose alongside Stefano DomenicaliCredit: Getty
    Football icon Neymar did not had to travel too far from his home in Paris, and he is one of several sporting stars in attendance.
    Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova paid a visit to the paddock and posed for a photo with actor Orlando Bloom and F1 Group CEO Stefano Domenicali.
    The ex-tennis star awarded Verstappen his prize for finishing in pole position on Saturday and looked a little unrecognisable with her brunette hair colour.
    Conor McGregor showed off his dance moves as he was escorted past fans by security.
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    While legendary singer Kylie Minogue checked out the Red Bull team and posed for a photo with staff members ahead of lights out.
    And cricket icon Chris Gayle oozed cool in a hat and sunglasses.
    Meanwhile Fifa chief Gianni Infantino was spotted chatting with FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem, and Neymar’s PSG team-mate Marco Verratti smiled for the camera alongside his partner Jessica Aidi.
    There was plenty of acting talent in the paddock too with Tom Holland seen with Red Bull chief Christian Horner before he waved the chequered flag.
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    Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones were in attendanceCredit: Rex
    Gianni Infantino and FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem have a chatCredit: Getty
    Chris Gayle looked classy in sunnies and a hatCredit: Getty
    Model Alessandra Ambrosio soaked up the Monaco sunCredit: Getty
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    He also posed for a photo with the Red Bull team and Neymar – some of whom struck a Spiderman pose given Holland’s Marvel connection.
    The pair were included in a star-studded photo alongside Minogue, Bloom, Sharapova, Horner, actor Archie Madekwe and David Harbour of Stranger Things fame.
    Chefs Tom Kerridge and Paul Ainsworth also posed for a snap with singer Beverley Knight while model Alessandra Ambrosio looked glam in the Monaco sun.
    World Cup 1998 winner Youri Djorkaeff also watched Verstappen pick up his second victory at Monaco, as did Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
    Marco Verratti and his partner Jessica Aidi also enjoyed the raceCredit: AP
    Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke to Martin BrundleCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Max Verstappen strolls to Monaco GP win to continue F1 dominance as rain causes chaos and helps Hamilton finish fourth

    NOT even a sudden downpour could stop Max Verstappen’s Monaco masterclass.The Dutchman was simply sublime in the dry during Saturday’s qualifying as he snatched pole right at the death to deny Fernando Alonso.
    Max Verstappen breezed to yet another race win in 2023Credit: Getty
    Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon completed the podiumCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton had a drama-free ride around Monte Carlo despite the rainCredit: AFP
    And he played it beautifully here on Sunday as he excelled in the dry and kept his nerve in the wet – albeit coming extremely close to barriers on numerous occasions.
    Verstappen now has won four of the opening six races and has amassed a whopping 39-point over his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.
    It looked all so straightforward until a shower two-thirds into this race threatened to turn it on its head, but the world champion weathered the storm.
    Verstappen, who overtook Sebastian Vettel on to a record 39 race wins for Red Bull, said: “It was a difficult one. The rain was coming and we didn’t know what was going on with the tyres.
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    “It started to rain lap by lap a bit more and it was incredibly slippery. You don’t want to push too hard and you don’t want to lose too much time.
    “I hit the barriers a few times, but that’s Monaco. It is super-nice to win it in this way, in the weather and stay super-calm and bring it home.”
    Verstappen made a clean start and managed to remain ahead of Alonso, who came close to hitting the barriers at turn one.
    But his Red Bull team-mate Perez was not having so much fortune, starting dead last.
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    The Mexican, who won this race last year to earn a new contract with the team, was caught up in a tangle with fellow backmarkers Nico Hulkenberg, Guanyu Zhou and Lance Stroll.
    Perez was forced to make a pitstop on lap one, dropping him further behind while Hulkenberg was hit with a five-second penalty for causing the mess.
    Carlos Sainz was next to make a mistake as he clattered into the back of Esteban Ocon while running in fourth place.
    The Spaniard locked up and lost part of his front wing after going to the Alpine driver.
    Out in front Verstappen was soon catching the backmarkers as he threaded his way through the congested streets like an on-the-clock food delivery driver.
    He was soon lapping his team-mate, who despite his best efforts was still languishing near the back.
    And so we settled in for the usual procession that sadly this once-thrilling spectacle can become.
    While Saturday’s qualifying session will remain the best of the season – as Verstappen and Alonso traded places with such mesmeric driving – Sunday’s race day has become somewhat tiresome and reliant upon some freak weather or an accident.
    First, the rain clouds moved away as they teased to help shuffle the order, but they did return to the Principality with a vengeance on Lap 52 of 78.
    The rain livened things up as drivers and teams panicked. Verstappen was noticeably agitated over the team’s radio.
    Verstappen was well clear and finished 27 seconds ahead of AlonsoCredit: AP
    Tom Holland and Neymar headed to the race as VIP guests of Red BullCredit: Getty
    Maria Sharapova and Orlando Bloom were also in Monte CarloCredit: Getty
    As he tiptoed his way around the wet track on slicks, incredibly Aston Martin called in Alonso and Stroll for new tyres at the end of lap 54 – but they bizarrely opted for new slicks.
    It was a terrible move and resulted in both drivers being forced to make another pit stop a lap later for intermediate tyres to cope with the standing water.
    It was the opposite for Mercedes, who played it smart and put both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on intermediates.
    Meanwhile, Verstappen was still on slicks and was forced to reduce his lap time after coming so close to striking the wall at Portier.
    It made it even more incredible that Aston had bungled their strategy as the Dutchman was a sitting duck – but only had Alonso been on the correct tyre.
    The rain continued to make things tricky while Verstappen eventually made it back to the pits for intermediate tyres.
    Sainz spun, Russell clattered into Perez, earning him a five-second penalty – and Stroll crashed out of the race.
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    But Verstappen held his nerve and while Aston’s tyre mistake made it easier, he was able to come home in first place 27 seconds clear of Alonso.
    Ocon made it home in third and Hamilton managed to move up to fourth place ahead of Russell after Ferrari’s tyre strategy dropped Charles Leclerc to sixth.
    Verstappen could enjoy the stunning setting in the principality with his massive leadCredit: Getty
    The Dutchman led the drivers off from pole position ahead of Fernando AlonsoCredit: Getty
    Kevin Magnussen struggled to cope with the downpourCredit: AFP More

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    Fans say ‘protect Martin Brundle at all costs’ after F1 presenter’s embarrassing gaffe while speaking to ex-Chelsea star

    FANS called for Martin Brundle to be “protected at all costs” after his latest hilarious blunder on the F1 grid walk.The Sky Sports F1 pundit did his famous stroll ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, stopping to speak to some famous celebrities along the way.
    Martin Brundle mistook Thibaut Courtois’ nationality at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: Sky Sports
    But towards the end of his latest venture, he spoke to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
    However, he mixed up his nationality and asked how he was looking forward to watching Spanish ‘compatriots’ Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in Monte Carlo.
    But Courtois has 101 caps for… Belgium.
    A hesitating Brundle said: “Thibaut, Martin Brundle, Sky F1, good to see you.
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    “As a Spaniard, you’ve got Fernando Alonso and the lovely Carlos Sainz.”
    However, the Champions League winner handled it well.
    Courtois replied: “Yes indeed. In Spain, we are rooting a lot for this 33rd victory of Fernando.
    “He has a good starting position today so let’s see what can happen.”
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    Brundle then wrapped up and said: “Thank you very much.”
    But as he walked away, he added: “And of course, he’s Belgian not Spanish but anyway.”
    Fans watching on at home were loving the gaffe, though.
    One said: “Did Martin Brundle just call Thibaut Courtois a Spaniard? Please protect Brundle at all costs.”
    Another wrote: “Martin Brundle calling Thibaut Courtois Spanish perfectly sums up his grid walk.”
    A third added: “Martin Brundle mistakes Thibaut Courtois as being Spanish. Courtois is so polite he just goes along with it. Lovely stuff.”
    And a final user commented: “Martin Brundle calling Thibaut Courtois Spanish – this guy’s grid walks never fail to disappoint.”
    Earlier on, Brundle had chatted with Kylie Minogue, Orlando Bloom and Tom Kerridge.
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    However, he got into an x-rated altercation with a Red Bull crew member, who told him he could not let Brundle walk past otherwise he would get into “f***ing s***” – forcing the host to apologise.
    That all came a day after fans joked he “pulled an 89-year-old” when he got chatting to a veteran photographer before qualifying.
    Brundle earlier got into a row with a Red Bull crew memberCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Sky Sports’ F1 pundit Martin Brundle forced to apologise after Red Bull staff’s X-rated blast on live TV

    SKY SPORTS’ Martin Brundle was forced to apologise after a Red Bull crew member’s X-rated blast live on TV.The popular F1 pundit – who ‘pulled an 89-year-old’ yesterday – was doing his famous grid walk ahead of this afternoon’s Monaco Grand Prix.
    Martin Brundle was stopped in his tracks by a Red Bull crew memberCredit: Sky Sports
    A Sky producer told him they were live on airCredit: Sky Sports
    After already speaking to Kylie Minogue and then Orlando Bloom, Brundle tried to walk forwards.
    But the Red Bull staff blocked his path and stood in his way, ushering him away and shaking his head.

    The bloke, standing right in front of Neymar, Maria Sharapova and his boss Christian Horner, said: “No, no. I’m going to get in f***ing s***, dude.”
    A panicking Sky producer can then be heard repeating: “We’re live,” before putting his finger to his lips to signal for the crew member to be quiet and stop swearing.
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    Brundle then bundles past him and adds: “Yeah, sorry for the language there everybody,” before interviewing Horner.
    Incredibly, that was not the end of the drama for Brundle.
    Later on, he spoke to singer Beverley Knight and chef Tom Kerridge.
    But he then approached Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for a chat.
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    A hesitating Brundle said: “Thibaut, Martin Brundle, Sky F1, good to see to you.
    “As a Spaniard, you’ve got Fernando Alonso and the lovely Carlos Sainz.”
    Except, the ex-Chelsea stopper is actually Belgian – not Spanish.
    However, the 101-cap star and Champions League winner handled it well.
    Courtois replied: “Yes indeed. In Spain, we are rooting a lot for this 33rd victory of Fernando.
    “He has a good starting position today so let’s see what can happen.”
    Brundle then wrapped up and said: “Thank you very much.”
    But as he walked away, he added: “And of course, he’s Belgian not Spanish but anyway.”
    The Red Bull staff member dropped two swear words live on airCredit: Sky Sports
    Brundle apologised and managed to speak to Christian HornerCredit: Sky Sports More

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    F1 Monaco Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen wins by country mile as Hamilton fourth – latest

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the Monaco Grand Prix with ease – despite the rain showers rolling in.Lewis Hamilton worked his way up to fourth, but narrowly missed out on a podium.
    Celebrity A-listers were out in force in Monte Carlo for the most glamorous race on the F1 calendar.
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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Verstappen celebrates another win
    Max Verstappen keeps his record of finishing in the top two places in every Grand Prix this season.
    The Monaco Grand Prix ending up being a testing experience when the rain threw all the drivers a huge curve ball.
    With his Red Bull teammate pretty much out of this race due to his Q1 crash in qualifying, not many could see this race going any other way today.
    Credit: Getty
    Monaco Grand Prix has French podium finish
    Esteban Ocon has got himself a podium finish and scoops himself the driver of the day award in the process.
    It has been a good weekend for Ocon and he had to work hard to hold off the two Mercedes cars.
    Credit: @F1
    Monaco Grand Prix race results
    A testing race due to the rain but here are the results:

    Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
    Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
    Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
    Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
    George Russell (Mercedes)

    Max Verstappen wins the race by some 27 seconds from Fernando Alonso in second place.
    Max Verstappen wins Monaco Grand Prix
    Lap 77/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Hamilton still holds the fastest lap of the day.
    He must be happy with the upgrades to his car with a fourth placed finish today.
    George Russell still sits in fifth position and has an 11.5 second gap between himself and Charles Leclerc.
    Pierre Gasly is in seventh place with Carlos Sainz behind him.
    Lap 75/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Ocon could be in line for driver of the day today.
    If he can hold on to get himself a podium finish he will surely be in with a good shout.
    The two Mercedes have put pressure on him for long periods.
    Verstappen has now opened up a 26.7 second lead.
    Lap 73/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Max Verstappen has a huge lead in this race now.
    Apart from a monumental mistake, this is a sure win for the defending champion.
    Hamilton and Russell are managing to hold off Charles Leclerc.
    The Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton still has his sights set on Esteban Ocon in third place.
    Credit: AFP
    Lap 71/78 – Verstappen leads, Ocon third
    Esteban Ocon is managing to open up more of a gap over Lewis Hamilton now.
    Meanwhile at the front of the race, Max Verstappen seems to have made all the right choices with his tyres today.
    As conditions changed rapidly it did create a situation for all drivers out on the track.
    Verstappen now has a 24 second lead on second place.
    Lap 69/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Lewis Hamilton, now in fourth place, has clocked the fastest lap of the day.
    Esteban Ocon will be focussed on trying to hold off the British driver to get himself a podium finish.
    There is a yellow flag in place in sectors 1 and 2 currently.
    Lap 67/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    The rain seems to have stopped now, whether the track will dry out in the short time left remains to be seen.
    It does seem to be drying quickly though.
    Verstappen looks nailed on for victory here with a 21.4 second lead over Fernando Alonso.
    If conditions change, Verstappen has enough of a lead that he can react and pit.
    Lap 65/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Max Verstappen has managed to open up a 19 second lead on Fernando Alonso.
    The Spaniard’s choice to not take the intermediate tyres will cost him any chance of challenging the Dutch driver.
    Had it panned out the other way, it could have been a race winning decision.
    These are the fine margins we deal with in Formula 1.
    Credit: AP
    Lap 63/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Lance Stroll is the first retirement of this race.
    Lewis Hamilton and George Russell find themselves in fourth and fifth place currently.
    Esteban Ocon sits in third place with a good distance between himself and fourth place.
    Russell has a five second penalty to serve still.
    Lap 61/78 – Verstappen leads, Russell comes off
    George Russell struggles on the first turn and comes off into the run off where Magnussen finds himself also.
    This wet weather is causing all sorts of problems for the drivers now.
    Despite struggling a few laps ago, Fernando Alonso has started to pick it up again and is shaving some time off Verstappen’s lead.
    The Spaniard is only 15 seconds behind the race leader now.
    Lap 59/78 – Verstappen leads, Magnussen hits wall
    Magnussen was due to come into to change to wets but before he has chance to, he slides into the wall.
    His car seems to come to a complete standstill but fortunately he gets it restarted and manages to drive into the pit.
    That would have changed everything if the safety car had come out.
    Fernando Alonso is managing to open up a gap on third place again.
    Meanwhile George Russell is penalised for an unsafe entry from the pits.
    Lap 57/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    The two pit stops for Alonso have caused him all sorts of problems as Ocon, Hamilton and Russell are all within touch of him.
    Fernando Alonso is now 22 seconds behind Max Verstappen.
    The Spanish driver could be struggling to hold onto his second place as Esteban Ocon gains on him all of the time.
    Lap 57/78 – Verstappen leads, rain causing issues
    In sector 2 the track is absolutely soaking and it is treacherous.
    A yellow flag has come out, teams are trying to get their drivers on intermediate tyres.
    Alonso opted for dry tyres and is having to come in to pit for the second time in three laps.
    Absolute carnage in Monaco.
    Credit: EPA
    Lap 55/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Sections of the track are now very wet.
    It means that drivers on worn tyres are having to crawl through these sections.
    Verstappen’s team tell him it may be a case of just taking it easy in the wet sections.
    Fernando Alonso has decided to come into the pit lane.
    Lap 53/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    The rain is starting to come down now as Max Verstappen tells his team about the weather.
    On very worn medium tyres this could be an issue for the Dutchman.
    Both Alonso and Verstappen are caught up in quite a bit of traffic now.
    The circuit is starting to look very slick with the rain coming down.
    Lap 51/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    There have been no retirements in this race so far today.
    We have never seen a Monaco Grand Prix end with no retirements whatsoever.
    There is some rain starting to sprinkle down with it threatening to break into a shower.
    Lap 49/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Both Verstappen and Alonso have yet to pit in this race.
    As the teams get more info on potential rain heading over, it is forcing the drivers to stay out there.
    George Russell is now in third place.
    Lap 47/78 – Verstappen leads, Gasly third
    After Charles Leclerc’s pit this has allowed Pierre Gasly to take third place.
    With George Russell now in fourth position.
    Max Verstappen is some 34.5 seconds ahead of third place.
    The weather radar is constantly changing and now no rain is expected for the remainder of the race.
    Credit: Reuters
    Lap 45/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Max Verstappen has done brilliantly to do this many laps on the graining medium tyres.
    He tells his team that he will try and keep going on them for as long as he can.
    Importantly, if he were to pit now, they could send him out onto a very clear track.
    Waiting could change this and may play into the hands of Alonso.
    Meanwhile, Leclerc was complaining about his tyres and has come into the pits.
    He returns to the track in eighth position.
    Lap 43/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Fernando Alonso is currently 20 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in third place.
    Aston Martin are keen for him to open up such a lead in excess of 21 seconds to allow him to pit and come back out ahead of the Ferrari.
    With 78 laps in the race, having not pitted yet, it would take some drive to do it on one set of tyres.
    Lap 41/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Verstappen has clear road in front of him now.
    Red Bull are concerned that if he pits, he will still come out behind Fernando Alonso.
    With the Spaniard on hard tyres, he could take them through to the finish.
    Lewis Hamilton has clocked the fasted lap of the day but still sits in eighth place.
    Lap 39/78 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
    Lance Stroll is causing a lot of drivers headaches today.
    He has a lot of coming togethers with other cars so far.
    Verstappen is edging ahead of Alonso once again on very worn medium tyres.
    Some great driving from the Dutch driver on very grained tyres.
    Credit: Getty
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