WEEKEND WARM-UP: McLaren and Red Bull to resume their rivalry while Leclerc looks to impress at home as F1 arrives in Monaco

The F1 circus has hurried from one historic circuit to another, Imola last weekend giving way to Monaco as the drivers and teams descend on Monte Carlo for the eighth race weekend of the season. But can Max Verstappen make it two from two, or will McLaren return to winning ways?

The papaya cars look the favourites heading into the weekend proper, with both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris on good form for McLaren at the moment. But Verstappen cannot be discounted, especially if he pulls off a special Qualifying on Saturday.

And Charles Leclerc will hope to repeat his 2024 achievement on home soil. He drove to a famous win here last season, finally breaking his home curse, and has a stunning Qualifying record at this track too. But Ferrari don't expect to be strong here, and their one-lap pace has not been their strength this season so far.

READ MORE: ‘It will spice things up’ – F1 drivers intrigued by ‘opportunities and unknowns’ of new two-stop rule for Monaco Grand Prix

Then there is the two-stop strategy to consider, the whole grid having to pit at least twice during the race, which could really shake things up.

Hit go on the video player above to join Ruth Buscombe Divey, Alex Jacques, Alex Brundle, Jolyon Palmer and Laura Winter for all the latest news and views ahead of the Monaco weekend.