Campos Racing’s Isack Hadjar says an FIA Formula 2 victory in Monaco would mean a lot to him.
“It’s a special place and I think it is the best track in the world,” the 19-year-old said.
It’s a circuit where he’s won previously, in FRECA (Formula Regional European Championship), and says he loves the layout of the track, calling it ‘amazing’.Â
Monaco an ‘adrenaline rush’
The Red Bull Junior Driver said the single Free Practice session is possibly more important here than anywhere else.
“You want to get the mileage so Free Practice is really intense because you want to find the limit but at the same time you need to stay on track and not crash,” he said.
Hadjar described qualifying in the Principality, which is held in two groups in F2, as the best of the year.
“It’s where you get the adrenaline rush going so close to the barriers everywhere, it’s just amazing.
“I think the Qualifying lap is about confidence on the brakes, being able to brake really late. At this circuit, it’s really hard to make that step on braking because everything is close.
“I think it’s about how much margin you leave to get close to the walls.”
Safety Car vital to strategy
Hadjar said there’s not much concern over tyre degradation around Monaco, meaning drivers can push during the Sprint Race.
“In the Feature Race it is special because you have to go as long as you can on the option if you start ahead and then wait for a Safety Car, so then you can box because you can’t overtake at this track.”
The timing of the Safety Car can be crucial, as anyone who hasn’t made their mandatory pit stop can make massive gains.
