Monaco GP: Sebastian Vettel expecting physical test this weekend in new cars

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel has said that he is expecting a physical test this weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix, with the new cars needing ‘hustling’ around the circuit.

The new era of Formula 1 heads to Monaco for the first time and it’s going to be fascinating watching the drivers take on the challenge of getting these big cars around the narrowest of race tracks.

Monaco is the ultimate test of driver precision and, for that reason, it remains an essential part of the calendar, with the thrill of seeing the cars at full chat around the harbour in qualifying surely still one of the most majestic sights in sport.

The races, of course, do become a little processional at times but the challenge is still awesome, and Vettel believes an extra layer of physical prowess will be needed with the new cars and their characteristics in mind:

“Every driver has special memories of Monaco and wants to create more, and we all know that some of the most famous moments in Formula One history happened here.

“I think this will be a physical Grand Prix where drivers will hustle the cars that bit more than they have in the past, so there will be an element of endurance too.”

Aston Martin will be eager to get more data from their new-look car after running it with overhauled sidepods for the first time at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.

Of course, Monaco’s unique set-up means it’s not always the most indicative of true performance but every bit of information helps and both Vettel and Lance Stroll will be looking to extract all they can from their cars over the course of the weekend.