Source: Mercedes-Benz Archive

F1 News

Ross Brawn: Naive to expect a lot of overtaking in Monaco

Ross Brawn: Naive to expect a lot of overtaking in Monaco

04-06-2018 09:37
Author profile picture

Jake Williams-Smith

Ross Brawn has branded criticism of the Monaco Grand Prix as naive. The race around the streets didn't set the world on fire in terms of on-track overtaking but Brawn says that it was just down to the characteristics of the notorious street circuit.

The Monaco Grand Prix is regarded as the most challenging race on the calendar however there is usually an absence of overtaking. Brawn highlighted this after the grand prix.

“I’ve heard and read a number of comments from drivers and F1 people saying the race was boring and it’s true that it wasn’t action-packed, all the more so as the tyres were the key factor,” said Brawn in his post-race press release.

“However, it’s a bit naïve to expect lots of duels and passing moves in Monaco!

"That’s in contrast to the unique spectacle of Saturday’s qualifying, as this is the only place one can get so close to the action as the 20 drivers brush the barriers (sometimes clipping them) at speeds that are just unthinkable for mere mortals: maybe we don’t give enough credit to these guys who can lap the 3,337 metre track in around 71 seconds.

“Having said that, one of the aims we have set ourselves for the Formula 1 of the future is to work together with the promoters and all stakeholders to ensure the new circuits provide more overtaking opportunities and that current ones are improved. 

“Naturally, the opinion of the drivers is welcome and our door is always open. However, in Monaco you’d need to reclaim land from the sea to do something and that’s definitely not up to us!”