Hakkinen expects surprise: 'Track does not benefit Red Bull'

Former Formula One driver Mika Hakkinen expects big surprises in the Monaco Grand Prix. The Finn expects Red Bull Racing's bolides to be unable to really use their top speed. Hakkinen has a high opinion of Charles Leclerc. In his own column on Unibet, he explains.

"Based on the season so far we will expect Max Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez to come into this weekend as favourites, but I think there could be surprises," said the 54-year-old Finn.

The two-time Formula One world champion sees that the Red Bull build is not ideal for the track in the principality. "This is not a track that plays to Red Bull’s straight-line speed and aerodynamic efficiency," says Hakkinen.

Hakkinen thinks Leclerc could well come out surprising next weekend. "I think Leclerc will be on a maximum attack this weekend. Teammate Carlos Sainz qualified and finished second last year, so his ability around Monaco is clear."