Many have long considered the Monaco Grand Prix, with its narrow and winding streets, as one of the most challenging races on the Formula 1 calendar. Now, imagine a track potentially more difficult than Monaco. Surprisingly, it seems to come from NASCAR, a sport that is not typically associated with such demanding circuits. Before the Grant Park 220 race in Chicago, Illinois, former Formula 1 champion, Jenson Button, shared his thoughts on NASCAR’s inaugural street circuit.
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In his interview, Button compared the new Chicago street course to the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. He emphasized that the Chicago race might pose even greater challenges than its Monte Carlo counterpart.
Jenson Button thinks the Chicago Street Race is harder than Monaco
While speaking at the press conference, Button stated, “It’s difficult to give you a definitive answer, as I haven’t driven the course yet. But, from my experience in the simulator, it’s definitely tricky. These cars, they don’t slow down like the cars I’m used to. Normally, we brake at the 150-yard marker, and in the Cup car, you’re at the 500-yard marker. So, there’s a lot going on when you hit the brakes going into the corner, and one little slip-up and you’re in the wall.”
“I think, mentally, it’s a very challenging race for us. The logistics of being in a city: It’s not an issue for the drivers as much. We stay across the road and walk to the track, which is great. It’s quite relaxed. But the actual race itself is going to be extremely challenging.”
“If I put Monaco and Singapore as two very challenging courses in a racing car, I put them up at an eight, and I’d probably put this at a nine. It would be just above in terms of challenges for all of us out there.”
Why is it hard to race at Monaco and how is it comparable to Chicago’s street race?
The main problem with the iconic Monaco street circuit is the fact that modern-day Formula 1 cars have outgrown the circuit. Hence, wheel-to-wheel racing is often very hard to execute, unless they are on the main straight. The slightest of mistakes are not forgiven, since one would end up in the wall, ruining their race.
Looking back at the Chicago Street course there seems to be a similar issue with the narrow nature of the track. As per footage showcased in the iRacing series, it looks like the margin for error at the track is very thin. Another factor to consider is that these Cup Series cars were not exactly built for street courses, and it can prove to be a daunting task for the drivers to avoid the barriers. Of course, there would be enough safety measures in place. Regardless, a hard impact against the wall would potentially ruin the race for anyone unlucky enough.
