Despite the discovery, Audi knows what to expect in Monaco

Monaco marks a turning point in the calendar. After two consecutive sprint weekends in Miami and Canada, the format returns to its classic form on the streets of the Principality — which doesn't make it an ordinary weekend. Allan McNish, the race director of the German team, sums it up like this: “Monaco is a unique challenge: it demands total confidence from the team and drivers from the very first lap. It will be another opportunity for us to continue learning, improving, and moving forward in the right direction as a team.”

For a still young team building its benchmarks race by race, the Monaco circuit — which does not tolerate any approximation and where there are practically no overtaking zones — constitutes a particular test.

Nico Hulkenberg He now considers Monaco a home race, not only because, like more than half of the current grid, he lives there, but also because of the presence of his family and friends in the Principality. The German is therefore well aware of what this circuit demands: "You have to find your rhythm from the first lap, because there's no room for error and no real chance to recover from mistakes. The field is extremely tight, so it will be crucial to do well in qualifying." Qualifying will indeed be the decisive moment — as is often the case in Monaco, where the race is largely decided on Saturday.

A new kind of hospitality

This Monaco Grand Prix also marks the debut of Audi's new European hospitality unit, inaugurated this weekend in the Monaco paddock. A symbolic investment for a team that continues to shape its image and infrastructure, and one that the race director considers an important step. "It took a lot of work, and we're all eager to experience it."

Gabriel Bortoleto, for his part, approaches Monaco with the enthusiasm of a driver who knows what this circuit represents in the history of the discipline: "It's one of those circuits where all drivers want to shine, both for its history and for the driving challenge it represents, and the atmosphere is always special. In Monaco, everything comes down to confidence, precision, and the ability to succeed at everything throughout the weekend."

The weekend will also be marked by the return of the Formula 3 After a long break since the season opener in Melbourne — and with it, Freddie Slater, a member of Audi's driver development program, who is returning to the track in the colors of the four-ring brand. For him, the first session will take place this Thursday, June 4, for Testing, at 13:30 p.m., while the Formula 1 will perform its first laps on Friday, June 5th for the first free practice session at 13:30 pm as well.

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