PREVIEW: Monaco Grand Prix - Start time, odds and predictions

Flashback

Daniel Ricciardo started on pole last season for Red Bull, and finished in the same position for his maiden win at Monaco! Sebastian Vettel closely followed the Aussie, with Lewis Hamilton behind his German title rival.

Kimi Raikkonen could only manage P4 for Ferrari, but he was a place ahead of Valtteri Bottas. Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hulkenberg, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr. concluded the top 10 respectively.

Verstappen started from the foot of the grid following crashing out of the final free practice session. The Dutchman recovered pretty well for a ninth-place finish, but he would've been desperately disappointed following his team-mate's victory.

Ricciardo managed to keep his composure in Monaco, and the year before saw the Aussie's chances of a win eliminated following a dodgy pit-stop in his Red Bull. It was true sporting redemption for Ricciardo.

The moment @danielricciardo has dreamed of all his motor racing life #MonacoGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/WGlQE5CFhf

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 27, 2018

Expectations

Mercedes have been so dominant thus far in 2019 - anything but a Silver Arrows one-two seems so unlikely. However, Red Bull's record in Monaco recently has been exceptional. Last season, RB demonstrated the ability and performance of its car on the traditional street circuit.

Gasly has yet to really get going in his Red Bull, so its chance of winning in Monaco, solely relies on Verstappen - who has been very impressive this season already. The Dutchman said a couple of weeks ago; just before the Spanish GP, that Red Bull's first chance of winning a race this season is at the Circuit de Monaco.

Ferrari brought an upgrade to Barcelona, one that was supposed to see them challenge Mercedes again. Despite this, Red Bull and Verstappen look like the Silver Arrows' biggest threat at the moment.

We may see the closest race of the season so far - as we so often do in Monaco - this could be a really exciting race, and for the sake of Formula 1, let's hope for a Red Bull/Ferrari top-spot.

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

4. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

6. Pierre Gasly (Red Bull)

7. Lando Norris (McLaren)

8. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

9. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)

10. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault)

What time is it on (UK BST)?

Thursday

FP1: 10-11:30

FP2: 14-15:30

Saturday

FP3: 11-12:00

Qualifying: 14-15:00

Sunday

Race: 14:10-16:10

Betting Odds

To win the race (via OddsChecker)

- Lewis Hamilton: 5/4

- Valtteri Bottas: 5/2

- Max Verstappen: 4/1

- Charles Leclerc: 16/1

- Sebastian Vettel: 16/1