McLaren ready to regain momentum in Monaco

MONACO : Max Verstappen's victory at Imola last weekend showed Red Bull's champion remains a force in the Formula One title battle but Sunday's showcase Monaco Grand Prix should see McLaren regain the momentum.

Last year's home winner Charles Leclerc cannot be counted out, even with Ferrari's current qualifying woes, and nor can Mercedes but McLaren have won a record 15 times in Monaco and the slow, twisty circuit should suit their car.

The question is whether Oscar Piastri will increase his 13-point lead around the principality's metal-fenced streets, or if teammate Lando Norris can whittle away the Australian's advantage in the glamorous eighth round of the 24-race season.

Piastri was runner-up last year as Leclerc became the first Monegasque to win Monaco in the championship era while Norris was fourth and has managed only one past podium appearance, a third place in 2021.

"It's a circuit I enjoy. Last year was a really good weekend for me, so hopefully we can go one better this year," said Piastri after Verstappen's win ended his bid for a fourth successive triumph.

"And then obviously a two-stop race. So, yeah, let’s see. But I'm confident that we’ll be quick."

Monaco can spring surprises, and the fastest car does not always win on a track where overtaking has been nearly impossible, and a mandatory second stop has now been added to try to shake things up.

Twice winner Verstappen, sixth last year, refused to talk up his prospects after the first of a triple-header of races on successive weekends.

"Last year was very difficult for us. I don't expect it to be a lot easier this time around because there's ... a lot of low speed, but we'll see," he said.

Red Bull principal Christian Horner sounded more hopeful.

"I think we're