Formula 1 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Odds & Picks

Odds at DraftKings as of May 24, 2023. Claim a DraftKings promo code to bet on the Monaco Grand Prix.

Leclerc Aiming to Avoid Another Homecoming Disappointment

Bad lucks, bad driving, and bad team decision making have plagued Charles Leclerc in his annual homecoming at the Monaco Grand Prix. The pole sitter in Monaco a year ago, Leclerc declared last year’s race “a freaking disaster” after seeing his chances to win dashed by Ferrari’s questionable pit stop strategy that ultimately relegated him to fourth place.

Let's hope for a clean race this year �� pic.twitter.com/fMPfcnnu7j

— Ferrari News �� (@FanaticsFerrari) May 22, 2023

Also destined to start on the pole in 2021, Leclerc never made it as far as the starting grid after suffering a driveshaft failure during his reconnaissance lap, while his 2019 race ended prematurely due to a blown tire. That track record, along with his two DNFs this season and his crash in qualifying three weeks ago in Miami, add value to the +600 odds of Leclerc being the first driver to retire from Sunday’s race.

But even if Leclerc manages to avoid another debacle, it is still far from clear he can keep pace with his Red Bull rivals, who have dominated both at this race and the top of the podium overall this season. Given his recent success in tearing up tracks when facing no competition in qualifying, Leclerc is worthy of a value wager to pay out as a +150 bet to once again seize the pole, you negative odds attached to him reaching the podium or even finishing top six are simply too rich.

Monaco Grand Prix Recent Winners

Mercedes Bringing Major Upgrades to Monaco

Last week’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was washed out due to heavy flooding, delaying the start of the European leg of the F1 season, as well as Mercedes’ plans to make upgrades. The Silver Arrows are reportedly planning to move forward with several major upgrades ahead of this weekend’s race. However, the full details of their plans, and how it will impact them in terms of grid penalties remains to be seen.

With Lewis Hamilton’s second-place performance in Australian marking the lone podium finish from Mercedes this season, a sense of urgency has developed to implement upgrades that will help the team keep pace with Red Bull. Reports have also suggested that Hamilton is increasingly unhappy with the team’s poor performance and his inability to challenge Verstappen for the F1 crown he previously held for seven years.

While these moves could bare fruit over the long term, any penalties incurred due to the upgrades will impact Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate George Russell’s bids for grid positioning on a street track notorious for providing limited passing opportunities. Accordingly, F1 sports betting fans may want to resist to dive in on their currently lucrative odds that Hamilton and Russell sport, at least until there is greater clarity on the consequence of their upgrades.

• Red Bull double podium finish (-120)
• Charles Leclerc first to retire (+1600)