FORMULA ONE'S Monaco Grand Prix takes place this weekend.

Defending champion Max Verstappen goes into this weekend top of the World Championship points standings for the first time this season, having won the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.

Verstappen won his third race in a row last week in Barcelona, and overturned a 19 point deficit in the World Championship standings in the process, to take a six-point lead into this weekend's race in Monaco.

Charles Leclerc started on pole position and had a comfortable lead throughout the race and looked set for a routine victory, before a power unit issue forced the Ferrari to retire on lap 27.

Leclerc's loss was Verstappen's gain, as the Dutchman romped home to victory, with teammate Sergio Perez coming in second to secure a Red Bull one-two for the second time this year.

George Russell kept up his streak of finishing in the top five in every race this season, as he grabbed his second podium of the season.

Monaco GP winner odds

Betfair odds

• Charles Leclerc 1/1
• Max Verstappen 7/5
• Lewis Hamilton 14/1
• Carlos Sainz 16/1
• George Russell 16/1
• Sergio Perez 16/1
• Valtteri Bottas 90/1

Leclerc is backed by Betfair as the favourite to take home the victory in his home grand prix, and put behind him a torrid record on the circuit.

The Monegasque has yet to finish a race in four attempts in his home country, dating back to 2017 Formula 2 season.

Last year he finished qualifying on pole position despite crashing in the final minutes of Q3.

But a failure in the left driveshaft spotted on the reconnaissance lap just before the race wasn't able to be fixed in time, and the car was declared unfit to star the race.

The 24-year-old will be eager to put history behind him and shine this time out for his home fans.

SunSport tip – Charles Leclerc to win at 6/5 with Paddy Power – Claim here

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