Lando Norris has secured the pole position for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix with an impressive lap time of 1:09.954 during the final phase of Q3. This achievement saw him edge out Charles Leclerc by a mere 0.109 seconds in a thrilling showdown on the streets of Monaco. This marks Norris’s second pole of the season and the twelfth of his career, showcasing his remarkable talent and skill behind the wheel.
Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate at McLaren, finished in third place, narrowly missing out on a better position after making an error in the second sector during his last run. Lewis Hamilton managed to secure the fourth spot on the grid but had a challenging Saturday, ending his free practice session with a crash at the Casino corner, which resulted in a red flag.
Max Verstappen will start from fifth position, followed closely by Isack Hadjar, who managed to place the Racing Bulls in the third row alongside the world champion. Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon rounded out the fourth row, while Liam Lawson and Alexander Albon both finished within the top ten, contributing to an exciting grid for the race.
Gabriel Bortoleto faced an unfortunate fate in Q1, getting eliminated by just 0.004 seconds, which means he will start the race from sixteenth position, behind his Sauber teammate, Nico Hülkenberg. The qualifying session had its share of drama, marked by two red flags: one incident involved Kimi Antonelli in Q1, while another occurred with George Russell in Q2, leaving both Mercedes drivers out of contention for pole position.
Here’s a breakdown of the complete qualifying results for the Monaco Grand Prix:
1) Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:09.954
2) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:10.063 (+0.109)
3) Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:10.129 (+0.175)
4) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:10.382 (+0.428)
5) Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:10.669 (+0.715)
6) Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:10.923 (+0.969)
7) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:10.924 (+0.970)
8) Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:10.942 (+0.988)
9) Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:11.129 (+1.175)
10) Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:11.213 (+1.259)
11) Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:11.362 (+1.408)
12) Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:11.415 (+1.461)
13) Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:11.596 (+1.642)
14) George Russell (Mercedes) – DNF
15) Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – DNF
16) Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:11.902 (+1.948)
17) Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Renault) – 1:11.994 (+2.040)
18) Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Renault) – 1:12.597 (+2.643)
19) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:12.563 (+2.609)
20) Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:11.979 (+2.025)
This qualifying session at the iconic Monaco circuit proved to be a mix of high stakes and intense competition, setting up an exhilarating race day ahead. Each team and driver faces their own unique challenges and strategies as they prepare for the renowned street race, where every second counts and the margin for error is minimal.
Lando Norris’s performance reflects his growing prowess in Formula 1, particularly at a venue known for its demanding layout and tight corners. The McLaren team, having seen a resurgence in form over the last couple of seasons, will be keen to capitalize on this opportunity to secure valuable championship points.
As the race approaches, all eyes will be on Norris and Leclerc, who are both familiar with the pressure of competing at home in front of passionate fans. The Monaco GP is not just another race; it is an event steeped in history and tradition, often revered as one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar.
Norris’s ability to deliver under pressure will be pivotal as he aims for victory in a race that is often dictated by strategy and tire management. Meanwhile, Piastri’s performance will also be closely monitored, as he aims to build on his growing reputation in the sport and contribute to McLaren’s success.
Hamilton, starting fourth, will be looking to leverage his experience in Monaco, a track where he has enjoyed significant success in the past. His team will need to ensure that his car is perfectly set up for the unique challenges posed by the circuit.
Verstappen, despite starting in fifth, remains a formidable competitor. The reigning champion has a knack for finding opportunities during races, and his team will likely employ a strategy that allows him to capitalize on any potential missteps from those ahead of him.
As for Isack Hadjar and the Racing Bulls, their performance is indicative of the team’s ambition to challenge the top teams consistently. The young driver will be looking to make an impression and prove that he can compete with the best in the sport.
With the anticipation building, fans are eager to see how the race unfolds and whether Norris can convert his pole position into a race victory. The streets of Monaco will undoubtedly provide a fitting backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling contest, filled with drama, strategy, and high-speed action.
This year’s Monaco Grand Prix is shaping up to be a spectacular event, showcasing the talent and skill of the world’s best drivers. As they prepare to take on one of the most challenging tracks in the world, the excitement among fans and teams alike is palpable. The stakes are high, and the quest for glory continues.
