Formula 1
Leclerc finally breaks the Monaco curse: 2024 Monaco Grand Prix Review
Ferrari Driver Charles Leclerc broke his winless streak at the Monaco Grand Prix with his last win being the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.
Leclerc became the first Monégasque driver since Louis Chiron in 1931 to win his home Grand Prix, and the first Monégasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix as a Formula One World Championship event.
Free Practice
During the three Free Practice sessions, the team that looked very promising was Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in the top 3 in all practice sessions. Evidently, the Red Bulls were lacking pace, opening up opportunities for other teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.
In the opening free practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton set the pace for Mercedes, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri close behind, followed by Hamilton’s teammate George Russell. The session saw a brief interruption due to debris on Turn 1, caused by Zhou Guanyu’s Sauber making contact with the wall.
Later in the day, Charles Leclerc impressed for Ferrari in the second free practice session, with Hamilton and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin trailing behind.
In the third practice session, Leclerc continued to dominate, leading the timesheets once again, followed by Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and Hamilton. However, the session was halted when Valtteri Bottas’s Sauber collided with the wall at the swimming pool section, resulting in suspension damage for the Finn and a red flag.
Qualifying
Charles Leclerc took his 24th pole position and Ferrari’s 250th pole position on Saturday with a time of 1:10.270, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and teammate Carlos Sainz.
Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez faced a tough setback in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix as they were both eliminated in Q1. Alonso would start from 14th on the grid, while Perez would line up in 16th position.
In the following session, Q2, the 2018 race winner Daniel Ricciardo suffered a disappointing exit, along with both Haas drivers. However, the Haas duo faced additional drama as they were disqualified from the session due to a technical infringement related to their DRS systems. Despite this setback, they were granted permission by the race director to take the grid, starting from the 19th and 20th. Yuki Tsunoda’s impressive form persisted as he secured a spot in Q3 for yet another race, making his 6th Q3 appearance of the season. Pierre Gasly for Alpine and Alex Albon for Williams joined him in the final qualifying session, marking a notable achievement for both teams.
As Q3 unfolded, Charles Leclerc emerged as the frontrunner for the pole position, showcasing an impressive pace throughout the session. Meanwhile, championship leader Max Verstappen faced challenges with his car, describing it as slippery and struggling to find the optimal grip.
However, as the session reached its climax, a pivotal moment occurred when Verstappen brushed the wall at the exit of Turn 1, forcing him to abandon his flying lap. With Verstappen out of contention, the battle for pole intensified between Ferrari and McLaren.
In the end, it was Charles Leclerc who clinched pole position with a commanding final sector, asserting Ferrari’s dominance. Behind him, Oscar Piastri of McLaren secured a strong position on the grid, setting the stage for an exciting race between the two powerhouse teams.
Race
The start of the Monaco Grand Prix encountered an early setback as a dramatic crash on lap 1 involving Sergio Pérez, Nico Hülkenberg, and Kevin Magnussen led to a red flag situation. The collision resulted in all three drivers retiring and caused significant damage to the barriers, scattering debris across the initial corners of the track.
Adding to the chaos, as the Alpines navigated the Portier section, Esteban Ocon inadvertently squeezed Pierre Gasly’s path, causing Ocon’s car to launch upward. Ocon, acknowledging his role in the incident, retired during the red flag period. Amidst the unfolding drama, Carlos Sainz encountered a moment of turmoil as he ran wide following contact with a McLaren. However, the red flag provided a lifeline as he was able to restart from his initial grid position.
During the red flag phase, most drivers changed their tyres, fulfilling the requirement to use at least two different tyre compounds during a race. This strategic move gave them a free pit stop. Given that Monaco is a circuit that is not too hard on the tyres, this change means they likely won’t need to pit again for fresh rubber, allowing them to maintain their positions more effectively.
The second restart saw a more cautious approach from all drivers, with Charles Leclerc leading the pack closely pursued by Oscar Piastri. Further down the field, Sainz and Norris engaged in a tight battle for position.
As the race progressed, Aston Martin adopted a similar strategy to Haas from previous races. Fernando Alonso played a pivotal role in backing up the pack to create a gap behind his teammate Lance Stroll. However, the plan backfired when Stroll suffered a puncture on his new soft tyre.
Monaco has been infamous lately for its lack of overtakes, and the 2024 race didn’t help the venue’s case. The race saw very few overtakes, courtesy of Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, and Logan Sargent at the back of the field.
At the end of the 78 laps, Charles Leclerc clinched victory at his home Grand Prix, delighting the Tifosi and his home crowd with a spectacular performance. It was an emotional win for Leclerc, securing the top step of the podium in front of his adoring fans. Oscar Piastri also made a mark, securing a podium finish at Monaco in only his second Formula 1 season, a remarkable achievement for the young driver. Completing the Ferrari dominance, Carlos Sainz crossed the line to secure a Ferrari 1-3 podium finish, capping off a fantastic day for the Italian team.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes turn to the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. After facing challenges in the previous race, Red Bull Racing will be eager to reclaim its former dominance. With the championship battle heating up, fans can expect an exhilarating weekend of racing action as the teams and drivers vie for glory on Canadian soil.
Championship Standings after the race:
Formula 1
Monaco GP: Norris Triumphs In The Principality
Lando Norris got his first ever win on the streets of Monaco, something he said is a “childhood dream come true”.
Lando Norris delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, securing a crucial win that reignites his title campaign. After a weekend that started on shaky footing, the McLaren driver produced what many are calling “the lap of a generation” to snatch pole position, smashing the all-time Monaco lap record in the process.
On race day, Norris maintained his lead off the line despite a bold challenge from local hero Charles Leclerc. From there, the Briton managed the race expertly until the closing stages, when an unconventional strategy by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen allowed Leclerc to close a previously six-second gap to within striking distance. At one point, the Ferrari was just 0.235 seconds behind, but Norris kept his cool and his lead.
With Verstappen finally pitting on the final lap, Norris had clear air to stretch his legs, setting the fastest lap of the race, nearly three seconds quicker than his pace while stuck behind the Red Bull. It was a statement win on one of Formula 1’s most prestigious stages.
Home Hero Just Misses Out on Repeat Glory
Charles Leclerc had high hopes of repeating his 2024 home triumph, especially after topping all three practice sessions. With Ferrari’s car well-suited to the unique demands of Monaco’s low-speed layout, expectations were sky-high. However, a second-place result in qualifying left him just shy of a clear view.
At lights out, Leclerc saw a glimmer of opportunity at Turn 1 but found the door closed by Norris. Despite closing the gap significantly late in the race, he ran out of laps to make a decisive move. It was a strong result, but not quite the fairytale finish the Monegasque fans were hoping for.
Embed from Getty ImagesVerstappen’s Gamble Falls Short
Max Verstappen’s P4 finish tells only part of his story. After being promoted to fourth on the grid following a penalty for Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman found himself leading several laps thanks to an aggressive long-run strategy. Slowing the leaders and hoping for a red flag, Verstappen attempted to steal victory through race interruption, but the miracle never came.
Still, a decent haul of points helps keep him within range in the championship battle. Meanwhile, teammate Yuki Tsunoda endured another torrid weekend. An early collision with Pierre Gasly dropped him to the back, and he eventually crossed the line in P17.
Racing Bulls Execute Perfect Team Strategy
Visa Cash App RB delivered a strategic masterpiece in Monaco. Rookie Isack Hadjar stunned the paddock with a career-best qualifying in P6, while teammate Liam Lawson lined up P9. In the race, Lawson played the ultimate team role, intentionally backing up the field to allow Hadjar a clean pit window and a shot at the front runners.
The result? P6 for Hadjar and P8 for Lawson, the pair’s best result in Formula 1 to date. Smart, calculated, and perfectly executed.
Williams Reaps Rewards for Tactical Play
Williams also benefited from strategic racing, with both cars finishing in the points, Alex Albon in P9 and Carlos Sainz in P10. In a move reminiscent of Racing Bulls, the team slowed the midfield train to manage tire life and track position. Mercedes was caught in this traffic jam, prompting an in-race apology text from Williams Team Principal James Vowles to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
The double points finish marked the team’s best Monaco result since 2005, a testament to the FW46’s growing consistency.
Mercedes Leave The Track Frustrated
Both the Mercedes Boys were involved in the Williams Train after a disappointing qualifying. In a hilarious event, George Russell overtook Alex Albon off track in the Nouvel Chicane. After sitting frustratedly behind a slow Williams for 70 laps, he received a Drive Through Penalty for the violation, and then, after the race, received a second Drive Through Penalty, which was added to his race time.
Antonelli had a similar scrappy weekend; a disappointing qualifying meant he was on the back foot. On Lap 1, he was embarrassingly done around the Hairpin section by the Sauber of Bortoleto, however, an attempt to overtake and regain his position ended badly for the Sauber after he was put into the wall.
A frustrating weekend in Monaco comes to an end.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 25, 2025
A race defined by team strategy under the new mandatory two-stop rules. pic.twitter.com/ZU227wl1YC
Race Results
The points scorers 👏#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/wEMiY0YETX
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
Standings
DRIVER STANDINGS AFTER EIGHT ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
Piastri's lead cut to three points 🤏
Hadjar into the top 10 💪#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/7iSFmqu6yL
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER MONACO
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
We're a third of the way through the season…#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/lt9rGJBaEA
F1 Heads To Éspana: Spanish Grand Prix
Formula 1 now heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the final leg of the triple-header. With its mix of high-speed corners and technical sectors, the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be another stern test for both driver and machine.
Norris rides the momentum of a breakthrough win, while teammate Piastri will be eager to reassert his authority in the title fight. Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be a thrilling European summer.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Monaco Grand Prix: Formula One’s Crown Jewel
Formula 1 makes it’s stop at Monaco for the second race of the intense triple header.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic and prestigious races in Formula 1. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monte Carlo’s harbour and steep hillsides, this street circuit offers a thrilling blend of glamour, history, and high-stakes racing. The tight, twisty layout makes every lap a challenge, demanding absolute precision and focus from the drivers. With limited opportunities to overtake and no margin for error, success in Monaco isn’t just about speed, it’s about control, timing, and staying off the walls.
About The Track
The Circuit de Monaco is widely regarded as one of the most difficult tracks in Formula 1. It’s narrow, full of sharp corners, and features constant elevation changes. With virtually no long straights, it offers few chances for overtaking, making qualifying performance especially critical.
Drivers must navigate legendary sections like the Fairmont Hairpin, which is the tightest corner on the F1 calendar, the tunnel, and the high-speed Swimming Pool chicane. The track’s bumpy surface and unforgiving barriers leave no room for mistakes, testing the limits of both car and driver from start to finish.
(Credit – f1.com)
Pirelli’s Specifications
Precision, glamour, heritage. The #MonacoGP is more than just a race — it's the purest expression of @F1.
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) May 20, 2025
Discover what makes Monte Carlo truly unique from a tyre point of view.
👉 https://t.co/cJCnwjQy6P#Pirelli #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/gW5s15oBtn
For a second consecutive race, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds from the 2025 range. As in Imola last week, the C4 will be the Hard, the C5 the Medium and the C6 the Soft, with the first two being the mandatory compounds for the race.
This weekend will see an important change to the regulations, specifically for this event only. During the race, two pit stops will be mandatory.
The aim of the FIA and F1 is to inject more excitement into a race that has often been very linear and predictable, as was very much the case last year.
Stories This Weekend
Monaco Curse
Charles Leclerc broke his home race curse by finally winning in Monaco last year, but it’s been a rocky road. From crashes in qualifying to mechanical failures on race day, the streets of Monte Carlo have not been kind to the Monegasque driver in the past.
Although Ferrari’s current performance doesn’t seem to match the pace of McLaren or Red Bull, Leclerc will be aiming to make the most of his local knowledge and qualifying prowess to put himself in a strong position.
In honour of its 75-year partnership with Shell, Ferrari has also made subtle livery changes this weekend.
Max As A Title Contender
Fresh off a commanding win in Imola, Max Verstappen is back in the title hunt. The reigning champion has been steadily chipping away at McLaren’s lead in the standings. A strong qualifying performance in Monaco, ideally a front-row start, will be key to maximising his chances on Sunday.
While Verstappen skipped a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie to focus on sim racing, his focus remains firmly on the track.
McLaren Special Livery
McLaren enters the Monaco weekend in strong form and will run a special livery, albeit with only slight changes to their signature papaya and black colour scheme. The team is targeting a front-row lockout in qualifying and looks poised to continue its run of strong performances.
F1 Movie Screening
A unique highlight ahead of the race weekend was a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie starring Brad Pitt and produced by Lewis Hamilton. The film is expected to boost global interest in Formula 1. Most of the grid was in attendance, except for Verstappen, who chose to stay home for sim racing.
Lights. Camera. Action! 🎬 #F1TheMovie
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2025
Our drivers got to enjoy a private screening of @F1Movie in Monaco! 🍿#F1 pic.twitter.com/ffFaoTPnX4
Weekend Schedule
Weather Forecast
Friday: 23°C, Wind 13 km/h, 5% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 11 km/h, 25% chance of rain
Sunday: 23°C, Wind 11 km/h, 17% chance of rain.
The weather looks stable for the most part, allowing teams to collect consistent data throughout the sessions. If a surprise rain shower hits during qualifying or the race, it could shake up the grid in a big way.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
If the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was Imola’s swan song on the F1 calendar, the circuit made sure to remind everyone why it’s one of the sport’s most cherished and technical venues. From bold overtakes to strategic masterstrokes, this race had it all.
Verstappen’s Bold Opening Move Secures Victory
Max Verstappen once again demonstrated why he’s at the top of his game. Despite narrowly missing out on pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session, he made an audacious move into Turn 1 at the start, sweeping past pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and taking the lead by the end of the first lap.
From that moment on, Verstappen controlled the tempo of the race. Red Bull nailed the strategy calls under both the Virtual Safety Car and full Safety Car periods, allowing the Dutchman to maintain a comfortable gap to the McLarens and clinch a commanding win.
McLaren Double Podium: Norris Leads the Charge
McLaren came into Sunday with high hopes, having locked out P1 and P4 on the grid. While Piastri’s early loss of the lead set the tone for a challenging race, it was a mid-race shuffle and an untimely Safety Car that ultimately worked against the young Australian. He was overtaken by teammate Lando Norris, who had a strong recovery from P4, including a gutsy move into Turn 1 to grab second place.
In the end, Norris finished P2 and Piastri rounded out the podium in P3, a solid points haul that keeps McLaren firmly in the title fight.
Embed from Getty ImagesHappy Tifosi as Ferrari Charges Forward
The home crowd had plenty to cheer for, as Ferrari put on a show of grit and determination. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton started outside the top ten, P11 and P12 respectively, but clever strategy and racecraft saw them carve through the field.
Hamilton secured his best result for Ferrari to date with a P4 finish, while Leclerc climbed to P6 after some tight battles and smart tire management. Together, they gained a remarkable 13 positions during the Grand Prix, much to the delight of the passionate Tifosi.
Mercedes Struggles
Despite a strong qualifying performance by George Russell who started P3 thanks to an alternative tire strategy inspired by Aston Martin the race told a different story for Mercedes. Tire temperature issues plagued Russell’s pace, ultimately leaving him to finish in a disappointing P7.
For rookie Andrea Antonelli, the home race turned bittersweet. Knocked out in Q2, the young Italian was running competitively before a mechanical failure ended his race prematurely, dashing hopes of a memorable debut on home soil.
A disappointing end to our Imola weekend pic.twitter.com/Mt8a5DG97j
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 18, 2025
Williams Score Big
Williams Racing delivered one of their most competitive weekends in recent memory. Alex Albon qualified an impressive P7, and his stellar race pace combined with timely strategy calls propelled him past Ferrari’s Leclerc to finish P5 securing 10 crucial points.
Teammate Carlos Sainz, starting P6, slipped two positions over the course of the race but still managed a respectable P8 finish. For a team that had zero points at this stage last season, it’s a monumental step forward.
Kicking off the triple-header in style 🤌#DrivenbyMyprotein pic.twitter.com/WhXENArgji
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 18, 2025
Race Results
RACE CLASSIFICATION (LAP 63/63)
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
P4 for Hamilton, his best race result for Ferrari so far 👏
Double points for Williams 💪#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/W4cuxhJR3s
Standings
DRIVER STANDINGS AFTER 7/24 ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
Verstappen closes the gap to the McLarens 👀#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/8LbqNQpecX
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER SEVEN ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
➡️ Red Bull now just 16 points behind Mercedes
➡️ Williams hadn't scored a point this time last year #F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/3VgnFoyvsr
Monaco Awaits: The Jewel in F1’s Crown
Next up, the paddock heads to the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. Known for its unforgiving barriers, tight corners, and emphasis on qualifying, it’s a venue where precision reigns supreme. With the title race heating up and multiple teams in contention, expect another enthralling chapter in what’s shaping up to be one of F1’s most competitive seasons in years.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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Monaco Grand Prix: Formula One’s Crown Jewel
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