"Mercedes is a bit faster in the race, but over one lap the Red Bull is stronger"

In 2020 the Monaco Grand Prix could not take place because of the coronavirus, but this weekend the Formula 1 circus returns to the historic circuit in Monte Carlo. Former Formula 1 driver Christian Klien sees opportunities for Max Verstappen on the street circuit.

Verstappen favourite despite Mercedes' faster car

Mercedes seem to have the fastest car at the moment, but Red Bull Racing have closed much of the gap, especially in qualifying. Therefore, Klien thinks Red Bull should be able to take pole here. "Mercedes is a bit faster in the race, but over one lap the Red Bull is a bit stronger. Hamilton can turn qualifying around just like that though, and it's that unpredictability that makes Formula 1 so beautiful this year," the 38-year-old driver told ServusTV.

The Monaco circuit hasn't been too kind to Verstappen in previous years, but Klien doesn't believe that will get in the way of the Dutchman. "Max is on a wave of success, everything is flowing and coming together in the right way," he continued. "In previous years, pole position was the only way for him to win, that's maybe why he was too eager."

"Obviously it's between Hamilton and Verstappen this weekend. But the cars are closer together because the engine and downforce play a smaller role," Klien continued. So can Mercedes beat Red Bull again with a clever strategy? Klien doesn't see that happening. "In Monaco, you can't do much in terms of strategy," says the Austrian.