The Formula 1 series has officially kicked off the track activities for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, and tire supplier Pirelli has taken this opportunity to share its technical analysis regarding tire performance during the practice sessions. The importance of the data collected by the Italian tire manufacturer is heightened at this event due to a unique regulation that mandates two obligatory pit stops during Sunday’s race.
On the first day of practice, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc shone brightly in front of his home crowd. The native of Monaco, who clinched victory in last year’s race, topped both practice sessions, recording a time of 1:11.964 in the first session and improving to 1:11.355 in the second. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri closely trailed him in the second session, finishing just 0.038 seconds behind. Lewis Hamilton once again positioned his Ferrari among the frontrunners, achieving the third-fastest time, with Lando Norris of McLaren securing fourth place.
Throughout the two hours of practice, all three tire compounds—hard (C2), medium (C4), and soft (C6)—were utilized. The soft compound, C6, was the most frequently used, with 574 laps logged, followed by the medium compound, C4, with 427 laps, and the hard compound, C2, which saw 221 laps. Pirelli noted that 13 drivers had already used a complete set of C4 tires, leaving them with only one set available for the race on Sunday. This factor could significantly affect the teams’ strategies, especially since two tire changes are mandated by the rules.
Simone Berra, Pirelli’s chief engineer, explained that the primary focus of the day was to assess the performance of the C6 compound, which made its debut at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix and is now making its second appearance. “The indications we observed in Imola were confirmed today. The C6 is a bit faster than the C5, and with one or two laps of cooling, it recovers a significant portion of its performance. Being an extremely soft compound, it’s natural for drivers to feel less confident trying to extract maximum performance right from the first lap,” Berra commented.
He also emphasized that this characteristic might encourage drivers to utilize the medium tire during certain segments of qualifying. “Furthermore, with the special sporting regulations in effect for this weekend, the choice of tires for the qualifying session will have a substantial impact on the race. For instance, today, 13 drivers from seven teams used a set of hard tires, leaving them with only one available for Sunday,” he added.
Five drivers—Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Hadjar, and Lawson—decided to use a set of medium tires in both practice sessions, a strategy that could provide greater flexibility during the race. The interplay between tire wear and driver confidence will be particularly crucial in Monaco, where overtaking is notoriously challenging, making grid position a vital factor.
As is customary at the Monte Carlo circuit, lap times improved throughout the day as the track gained grip from tire rubber. Between corners 12 and 3, a new layer of asphalt was laid down, but according to Pirelli, the primary reason for the lap time improvement was the increased confidence of the drivers. Nonetheless, the times were slightly slower than those recorded in 2024, when Leclerc topped the second practice session with a time of 1:11.278.
Regarding tire degradation, Pirelli observed that there was granulation on the medium tires during long stints, which is considered typical for Monaco’s narrow and urban circuit. Based on simulations and the data gathered, the expectation is that teams will opt for tire combinations that minimize risk during the two mandatory pit stops—especially taking into account that strategic positioning and timing of the tire changes could ultimately determine the race’s outcome.
The tactical challenge is poised to be one of the major attractions of the weekend, alongside the quest for pole position on Saturday, which is deemed essential at one of the season’s most difficult tracks for overtaking.
With the unique characteristics of the Monaco Grand Prix, teams and drivers must navigate a variety of factors throughout the event. From tire management to strategic planning, understanding the intricacies of the circuit and its demands is crucial for a successful race weekend. The combination of tight corners, elevation changes, and a narrow track means that every decision made during practice and qualifying can have significant repercussions for the race.
As teams prepare for the qualifying rounds, they will analyze the performance data from the practice sessions to devise the optimal tire strategy. The varying conditions of the track combined with the mandatory pit stops mean that adaptability will be key. Pirelli’s insights into tire performance, particularly regarding wear and degradation patterns, will guide teams in selecting the right compounds for both qualifying and the race.
The psychological aspect of driving in Monaco cannot be overlooked either. The pressure of performing in front of a home crowd, as experienced by Leclerc, adds an additional layer to the competition. Drivers must balance the desire to push their limits with the need for caution, especially given the narrow confines of the circuit where a single mistake can lead to a significant setback.
Ultimately, the Monaco Grand Prix encapsulates the essence of Formula 1 racing—speed, strategy, and skill. Each element plays a vital role in determining who will emerge victorious. As the teams finalize their preparations for the upcoming sessions, all eyes will be on the tire strategies that unfold, the performance of each driver, and the tactical decisions made under pressure.
In the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, the Monaco Grand Prix stands out as a unique challenge. It tests not only the machines but also the mettle of those who drive them. With the combination of technical expertise, strategic planning, and driver skill, the upcoming race promises to deliver excitement and drama, captivating fans around the world.
As the weekend progresses, the anticipation builds for the main event. The interplay of tire strategies, performance data, and driver tactics will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Monaco Grand Prix is more than just a race; it is a celebration of motorsport, combining history, prestige, and cutting-edge technology in one of the world’s most iconic settings.
