Button: The Monaco Race is a true test of the psyche

      If Aston Martin's performance remains at about the same level as in the first quarter of the season, then this team will undoubtedly be a contender for the rather dubious title of "Disappointment of the Season," but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

      The Japanese engineers have already addressed the issue of vibrations in the power unit, which negatively affected reliability, and according to Shintaro Orihara, the chief engineer and head of the Honda Racing team, they understand the direction they need to take and are moving on to the next stage – focusing on improving efficiency and enhancing handling characteristics.

      Of course, Silverstone is also not sitting idly by, and at the Aston Martin F1 base, work is rapidly underway on the modernization, or rather, the radical redesign of the AMR26 chassis, with the team promising to present its revised version in the second half of the season, after the summer break.

      During the Canadian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso grimly noted: "The fundamental problem of pace deficit, as we are losing up to three seconds per lap to our competitors, can only be resolved by increasing engine power and aerodynamic efficiency, which will happen in the second half of the year."

      Meanwhile, at the Aston Martin Technology Campus, over 1,000 employees, including 250 engineers of various specialties (experts in aerodynamics, mechanics, and electronics), are involved in the process of creating an improved version of the car. But it will only appear in a few months, and while this work is ongoing, the team is preparing for the next stage of the season, which will take place on the classic circuit in Monaco.

      As always, on this narrow, twisty street circuit, engine power is less important than on other tracks, while the driver's skill comes to the forefront. Jenson Button, the Aston Martin F1 ambassador, reminded us of this in his column on the team's official website:

      "When I lived in Monaco, I often met many famous athletes there, including my rivals, Formula 1 drivers, and we usually trained together on bikes. We would start in Monaco, ride to France, then to Italy, and it was wonderful. Since many drivers live in the principality, we would fly together to the championship stages. In the world of Formula 1, everything is based on rivalry, but in Monaco, there has always been this special racing community, characterized by its own atmosphere, different from the paddock.

      The Monaco Grand Prix is indeed very different from any other championship stage. In Formula 1, every victory is significant, but winning a race in Monaco is even more important because everything here is tied to history; just think of all the great heroes who have won here over the years.

      They say the race in Monaco is won on Saturday, and there is certainly some truth to that, as qualifying on this track is very important and can determine the entire course of the weekend.

      But it must also be acknowledged that the Sunday race becomes a true test of psychological endurance. With each lap, the feeling intensifies that the barriers are getting closer. The track seems to narrow, and you can't relax for even half a second, especially if you know you have a chance to win.

      And when you cross the finish line first, you simultaneously feel a rush of adrenaline, true exhilaration, and relief. The race in Monaco is unique in that the whole city celebrates with you. People on balconies, your mechanics hanging from the pit wall, fans in the stands and on yachts in the harbor.

      When I won there in 2009, we called the next day "Super Monday" – we started celebrating the victory in the middle of the day, and the fun continued until late at night. Or until early morning – it all depends on your perspective.

      The Monaco Grand Prix is part of the symbolic "Triple Crown" along with the "24 Hours of Le Mans" and the Indy 500. I have only completed one part of this program, but I am not destined to succeed in all three.

      I have raced at Le Mans three times, but I never managed to win. However, I would love to race around the Sarthe circuit in an Aston Martin Valkyrie. Perhaps that will be possible – for me, it would be an opportunity to finally get behind the wheel of a car designed by Adrian Newey.

      As for the Indy 500, I have great respect for the drivers who compete there, but it's not for me. Fernando Alonso likely has a better chance of achieving the "Triple Crown" than anyone else, as he has won in Monaco and Le Mans, and he led the race in Indianapolis and was close to success. If he wants to make another attempt, he will definitely have that opportunity.

      But I also remember my very first Monaco Grand Prix because the outcome was influenced by another member of our team – Pedro de la Rosa. I was racing at this track in a Formula 1 car for the first time, and at the very beginning of the race, I collided with Pedro's car, who was then a driver for Arrows.

      He still insists that he could have passed me in that corner, but overtaking in the hairpin at Monaco is virtually impossible. Since then, we have often recalled that moment with amusement, and someday we will also give him the floor. But for now, I am ready to dive back into the atmosphere of Monte Carlo!"