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Mikka Hakkinen is confident Mercedes will have strong competition in Monaco

Mikka Hakkinen is confident Mercedes will have strong competition in Monaco

17-05-2019 09:21 Last update: 09:32

Mikka Hakkinen is confident Mercedes won't continue their streak of race wins in Monaco. The two-time world champion believes Red Bull and Ferrari will be much stronger on the unique circuit.

Mercedes has opened up a 96 point lead over Ferrari after just five Grands Prix this season. The Silver Arrows are just three points away from the perfect points total. But, Hakkinen expects Charles Leclerc, on his home race, and Max Verstappen to fight the two Mercedes drivers.

"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."

Hakkinen isn't just expecting something from the youngsters on track. He also believes Sebastian Vettel will set up his game. The German currently sits two points away from Verstappen in the drivers' championship.

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

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