F1: 5 Predictions for Monaco GP 2018

Saturday's qualifying saw Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo secure pole position in Monte Carlo, with a whopping track record of 1:10.810.

The Australian has been on fire throughout the weekend by being the fastest driver at every session so far.

But can Ricciardo be able to stay on top at Sunday's race?

It could have been a front two lockout for the Red Bull team if it wasn't for Max Verstappen crashing his car in Free Practise Session 3 on Saturday morning.

The mechanics failed to get Verstappen's car ready in time for qualifying, which results in the Dutchman to start from the back of the grid.

Sebastian Vettel qualified ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second place to set up an exciting battle around the streets of Monte Carlo for Sunday.

So will Ricciardo experience his first Monaco win?

Let's take a look at the top 5 predictions for Sunday's race...

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#5 Verstappen set for a long race

It could have been a different setting for the Dutchman

Red Bull have found it hard to keep up with Mercedes and Ferrari. Not just in 2018 but in the past couple of seasons.

The team has still been able to pick up one or two wins per year thanks to Ricciardo and Verstappen's efforts.

But this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix could have been a dream one-two finish if it wasn't for the mistake made by Verstappen in practice.

Verstappen will start the race at the back of the line and with Circuit de Monaco being Circuit de Monaco, it looks very unlikely for the 20-year-old to even achieve a points finish in the top 10.

Unless the cars in front run into any problems before or during the race...

#4 Alonso could achieve the highest place of 2018

If there's anyone that has a trick up their sleeve it's Alonso

Before the weekend's action commenced, some have tipped McLaren's Fernando Alonso to bring one or two surprises to the streets of Monte Carlo.

Alonso was 7th fastest on Saturday just falling behind Esteban Ocon of Force India, the Mercedes', the Ferraris and one of the Red Bulls.

A strong qualifying performance from a McLaren perspective which gives the Spaniard the perfect opportunity to achieve a season's best of finishing 5th or higher.

Alonso may need some luck on the way but with his race expertise, you just can't deny the possibility of the double world champion wowing the crowd.

#3 Leclerc to finish top 10 again

Leclerc: The rookie from Monaco

One of the headlines of this year's Monaco Grand Prix is the local racer, Charles Leclerc.

The Sauber driver has already shown to us why he has a promising future in Formula 1 with his last two races in Barcelona and Baku.

Leclerc sealed two consecutive top 10 finishes and may just make it three in a row in his home race on Sunday.

The 19-year-old will start the race in 14th position but has a chance to finish in the top 10 and the pit stop strategy may just help him get there.

#2 Grosjean to miss out on points... again

Grosjean is having a tough season so far

Pressure is growing more and more for Romain Grosjean who has not scored points in the last nine races.

The Frenchman is rumored to be one of the first drivers to be kicked out from their team in 2018.

This is heavily due to his poor race results we have witnessed in the previous nine races.

And sadly for the Haas driver, the Monaco Grand Prix looks to be another race to forget as Grosjean is far from the top 10 positions.

Grosjean will start the race in 15th position tomorrow with his teammate Kevin Magnussen failing to make Q2 as the Danish driver will start in 19th.

Both drivers have a lot to do on Sunday.

#1 Ricciardo must avoid a bad start in order to taste glory

Ricciardo to lead the Monaco pack

Daniel Ricciardo has been exceptional so far this weekend.

The Australian has not got anything wrong by being top of every session from practice to qualifying.

But the one session he needs to nail is the race itself. No one ever remembers the practice or the qualifying sessions, just the race.

As Ricciardo said to his colleagues via the team radio: "50% done. Let's finish this s*** tomorrow."

Let's not forget what happened in 2016, when Ricciardo was destined to win his first Monaco race until he went to the pits giving the win to Lewis Hamilton. He was not the smiley assassin that day, especially when he accepted the runners-up trophy.

The first corner of the race will be very crucial for Ricciardo as he will hope to stay ahead of Vettel and Hamilton.

If he is to stay in the lead after the opening laps then he has in his hands the full control of the race.

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