Why Ferrari can beat Mercedes and finally win in Monaco

We’ve been treated to a succession of thrilling races in the 2017 Formula One season, and all expectations are for another cracker in Monte-Carlo.

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have won two races apiece this term, and the pair are set for a season-long duel.

Indeed, they’re favourites to win in the Principality on Sunday.

Hamilton is the Evens favourite, with Vettel the relative underdog here at 7/4.

The Brit came out on top a fortnight ago in Spain, after a thrilling scrap with the Ferrari ace.

That should give Hamilton all the momentum he needs for a good result this weekend.

And further boosting his hopes is that Ferrari haven’t won in Monaco for a whole 16 years since Michael Schumacher did so in 2001.

But we’ve found key reasons why the Prancing Horse might be about to end their drought around the famous streets.

Firstly, Mercedes had to bring a whole host of updates to their W08 in Spain to keep ahead of Ferrari.

Even then, only a small mistake from Vettel denied  the four-time champion pole position, and there was nothing to choose between the pair in the race.

Such extensive updates were always going to be at the most beneficial at a classic, sweeping circuit like Spain, and they could be of much less value this weekend.

Then there’s Mercedes’ longer wheelbase. Such a feature rarely works on tight, twisty racetracks, and none are more intricate than Monaco.

Plus, Pirelli have reduced the tyre pressure for the rest of the season, and again that is set to suit the Ferrari more so than the Silver Arrows.

With clear skies over the French riveira expected all weekend, we won’t see the rain which hit last year’s race.

But before you think that’s a bad thing, it should allow Vettel and Hamilton to go at it hammer and tongs yet again.

And that’s what Formula One is all about.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing