Former Two-time Formula One Champion Mika Hakkinen thinks, Lewis Hamilton will face stiff competition from Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Hamilton led Valtteri Bottas to the fifth consecutive Mercedes one-two at the start of this season after dominating the Spanish Grand Prix.
They currently lead the way in the Drivers’ Championship, with Hamilton on 112 points and Bottas on 105.
According to Hakkinen, however, that may be about to change.
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The next race is Monaco, which is very different from Barcelona - a truly unique track,” The Finn said. “Red Bull won there last season, and Ferrari in 2017, and we know that both teams are looking forward to this race. Verstappen is a man on a mission, determined to be the first person to beat Mercedes this year, and I think the Red Bull Honda will be very quick around Monaco. Leclerc is another one who will challenge Mercedes around the streets of Monte Carlo. This is his home race, and while he has been very quick all season there have been a few small mistakes and problems which have stopped him from taking an early victory.
“He will be determined the bring Ferrari back up to the front of the grid. And then we have Sebastian Vettel. He is a four times World Champion, has won in Monaco twice before, and remains an outstanding competitor. He has faced some criticism in recent months, but I personally believe he has the ability to deliver victories for Ferrari in 2019 and re-establish a championship challenge. There is still a long way to go.”