F1 LIVE | FP3 for the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix weekend is underway and FP3 is about to start. You can follow this session via GPblog's liveblog. For the first time, Red Bull Racing don't seem to be the top favourites for victory and pole. Helmut Marko also fears competition from other drivers, such as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Red Bull wants to prove him wrong, Aston Martin want to showcase their strengths and Mercedes have introduced upgrades. 

F1 LIVE | FP1 for the Monaco Grand Prix

What happened on Friday?

The first free practice session in Monaco saw problems for reigning world champion Max Verstappen. This resulted in the sixth fastest time for Verstappen. The Red Bull driver recovered in the second free practice and finished first. Carlos Sainz topped FP1, but ended FP2 in the barrier at the exit of the swimming pool chicane. Alonso looked strong, and Mercedes spent some time at the top of the leaderboard which was forever changing.

In the second practice session, many drivers started on mediums, but over time more and more were driving on softs. In the last 15 minutes of this session, Carlos Sainz crashed his car into the wall, which caused a red flag. We saw red flags in both sessions on Friday afternoon. Will we see another red flag in the third free practice session?

Favourites

it is also a weekend where Red Bull are not necessarily the favourites. Obviously, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are not ruled out for a win, but other teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes also stand a chance in Monaco. Ferrari are especially dangerous for Red Bull, as the Ferrari is very good at getting the tyres warm for one fast lap. Aston Martin are particularly fast in sections featuring slow-speed corners. The higher wear associated with that plays almost no significant role in Monaco. However, on Friday Red Bull demonstrated they have an adaptable car. 

With more chances of victory for the rival teams, the fight between the two championship leaders is still exciting. Perez who has emerged as the street king, could potentially put up an equal fight with two-time F1 champion Verstappen at the Monaco circuit.

No rain is forecast for Saturday, but there is a chance of rain and thunderstorms on Sunday. That could mean that practice sessions will be even more focused on qualifying preparations on a dry track. There will be no practice for Sunday's possibly wet track surface.