With the streets of Monte Carlo posing a unique challenge, Bottas is hopeful that the squad can enjoy better outings at other circuits. However, he acknowledges that they need to investigate their struggles with one-lap pace in particular.
“The qualifying was tough, [we were] lacking pace, so [that’s] something we really need to understand,” the 10-time race winner said. “At least normally Monaco is a bit of an outlier, so it doesn’t tell the full story. But lots to learn from this weekend, especially about qualifying.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Relive all the race action as Leclerc wins at home following a chaotic start in Monaco
Zhou also faced a tough day, which started by having a close view of the heavy collision between Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg on the first lap of the race, an incident that all three fortunately emerged unharmed from.
After making a late pit stop, the Chinese driver went on to end the race in 16th and last place.
“That was a pretty sketchy moment for these three [drivers],” Zhou commented about the Lap 1 crash. “I’m glad they are okay. From my side it was a very boring race, to be honest.
“I think we had a pretty good strategy until the red flag and then everybody is in the same boat, and there’s no potential to be overtaking. We tried to go to the end, and the tyre was dead for me unfortunately with 15 laps to go, so we had to commit to another stop.”