No, we're not delusional. We believe that Ferrari could win this weekend's 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. If they get pole, and mind you, they look quick, they could dictate the overall race pace and go for the win. For those naysayers, Mercedes did exactly that with Nico Rosberg in 2013. The lack of overtaking opportunities makes track position even more vital in Monaco. But of course, the key point here is 'if they get pole'. 

(The episode description follows after the promotional messages)

Use 'PUMAINSIDELINE' to avail an additional 5% discount on Puma's Motorsport merchandise collection (exclusive for our listeners in India). A special contest is coming up for the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. Predict the pole position time and win vouchers worth INR 3,000 from Puma. 

For our global audiences, get 20% OFF at Manscaped + free shipping with promo code TRIMINSIDE at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

Subscribe to our newsletter! It's free, informative, insightful and visually appealing. You can read more and sign up.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal look forward to this weekend's 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. The flexi-wings controversy is another angle to the ongoing Red Bull Racing vs. Mercedes battle. When exactly will Verstappen-Red Bull Racing's championship challenge take off? Monaco hasn't been most-kind to VER. As for Lewis Hamilton, his lowest race-to-pole position ratio (0.15%) is at Monaco. Could someone else snatch the spoils from the two title protagonists? 

Sergio 'Checo' Perez has scored a podium before in Monaco - could this weekend be his first with RBR? PER will need to deliver on Saturday. Will BOT struggle from tyre warm-up issues here, too? What are the possible race strategies and the pit lane time loss? What makes Monaco so special? How will the four Monaco virgins (TSU, MAZ, MSC & LAT) fare? Will Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso be able to keep up with their Monaco records? And of course, an unpopular opinion is that at least one of us (Kunal, in this case) doesn't care about the special car-driver liveries in the sport (case in point: Mclaren's Gulf-special livery for Monaco). 

Hereon, we will have two special segments in our race preview episodes - first, Sundaram presenting his uber-cool stats. Second, Akaash hosting 'race track 101' to look back to circuit history and memories. Tune in! 

(Season 2021, Episode 30)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Music courtesy: Lucien Byfieldt

Image courtesy: Mercedes AMG Petronas