The first five races of the Formula 1 season had five different drivers from different teams winning.

As the sport goes to Monte Carlo, one of the most fascinating races, enthusiasts believe that unlike what happened too many times in the past, this season will go to the wire.

Last year, Sebastien Vettel and his Red Bull dominated the championship from start to finish, so much so that at this time last year it was already clear who the winner would be. And the interest faded quickly.

This year, it is an altogether different story. Vettel has won only one race, and in the others it was clear that he will not be able to repeat last year’s feat. McLaren’s Button, Ferrari’s Alonso, Mercedes’ Rosberg and Williams’ Maldonado have won the other four races, while it must also be pointed out that the Lotus team led by the returning Kimi Raikkonen is also competitive.

This is a good indication that the season might progress in a level of uncertainty that will add to the aura of the sport – unless of course, from now onwards, one team or one driver will start to win race after race.

But the way things have developed in these first two months of the championship shows that will be highly unlikely.

Success in a sport like Formula 1 is a combination of many factors – the car and driver are topmost in this list, but there are other situations that could determine the outcome of a race. We have seen it many times – even this season – that good drivers and good cars were hampered by mistakes while tyres were being changed in the pits or by slower drivers who impede quick overtaking. The weather conditions – in particular the rain and the wind – can also change the scenario quickly, as does an accident which leads to the safety car coming in to restore order on the track.

Still, these first five races have all been exciting affairs, with a good number of overtaking procedures that make the sport thrilling.

What will happen in Monte Carlo this weekend is anyone’s guess. All drivers will tell you that winning in the principality is a dream any Formula 1 driver has. What is sure is that whoever does will not be running away with the championship. The way it started shows that it will be gripping right till the end.