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Mercedes will be challenged in Monaco - Hakkinen

Mercedes will be challenged in Monaco - Hakkinen

15-05-2019 12:20
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Jake Williams-Smith

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen believes that Mercedes' run of dominance will come to an end sooner rather than later.

The Finn picked out the Monaco Grand Prix as a real chance of another team shaking up the order, explaining that both Red Bull and Ferrari have been quicker around the streets than Mercedes in the past two seasons.

The next race is Monaco, which is very different from Barcelona - a truly unique track. Red Bull won there last season, and Ferrari in 2017, and we know that both teams are looking forward to this race," Hakkinen said in his Unibet column.

"Verstappen is a man on a mission, determined to be the first person to beat Mercedes this year, and I think the Red Bull Honda will be very quick around Monaco.

"Leclerc is another one who will challenge Mercedes around the streets of Monte Carlo. This is his home race, and while he has been very quick all season there have been a few small mistakes and problems which have stopped him from taking an early victory. He will be determined the bring Ferrari back up to the front of the grid.

"And then we have Sebastian Vettel. He is a four times World Champion, has won in Monaco twice before, and remains an outstanding competitor.

"He has faced some criticism in recent months, but I personally believe he has the ability to deliver victories for Ferrari in 2019 and re-establish a championship challenge. There is still a long way to go."

While Hakkinen believes there will be a bigger threat to Mercedes in Monaco, the Silver Arrows' pace in the final sector in Spain might have their rivals worried already.

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