Max started from his P2 grid slot but was the lead car after Charles Leclerc failed to take part due to damage sustained in his crash in qualifying, and duly held of Valtteri Bottas on the run to the first corner. From there Max looked in control, building up a lead while Red Bull looked for the best opportunity to make a pit stop.
Pierre had similarly slotted into fifth place off the line, with Sergio in eighth as he tried to find his way past Sebastian Vettel.
Scuderia AlphaTauri tried something different from a strategic point of view with Yuki starting on the hard tyre in an attempt to run long and see what opportunities might open up after starting 16th.
Pierre was the first of our cars to make a pit stop, coming in on lap 30 in response to Lewis Hamilton’s stop behind him and managing to stay ahead of the Mercedes. Unfortunately as Sebastian Vettel stopped a lap later he was able to jump both and just beat Pierre up to Casino Square.
Max was able to run until lap 34 and pit into clear air, while Red Bull cleverly kept Sergio out while those ahead of him made their stops. Also with a free track ahead, Sergio put in some brilliant quick laps and jumped four positions to emerge in fourth place.
From there, Max had the race under control and measured the gap back to Carlos Sainz in second until the chequered flag, while Sergio set about closing down Lando Norris in third. After showing more impressive pace, the Mexican was right on the back of the McLaren but could not find a way past and had to settle for 12 points in P4. Added to Max’s win, it meant a haul of 37 points for Red Bull.
Pierre kept the pressure on Vettel ahead until the final lap but was unable to make a move and finished with another strong top six finish, while Yuki finally made his pit stop for soft tyres with 12 laps remaining and came home 16th after the race ran without a Safety Car for only the second time in a decade.
The result is Honda’s 80th victory in Formula 1 and sees Max take the lead in the drivers’ championship while Red Bull also leads the constructors’ standings, marking the first time we have led both championships in 30 years.
Article credits: Honda Racing
https://honda.racing/f1/post/sunday-monaco