Just in: F1 2025 Monaco Grand Prix starting grid with penalties appl….read more
F1 2025 Monaco Grand Prix starting grid with penalties appl….read more
Lando Norris will lead the grid for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix after a stunning qualifying performance that saw him set a new lap record around the streets of Monte Carlo. The McLaren driver delivered an exceptional lap on Saturday, clinching pole position and placing himself in the strongest possible position to secure victory on Sunday. His performance not only demonstrated McLaren’s recent resurgence in pace but also showcased Norris’s growth as a driver capable of mastering one of the most challenging circuits in Formula 1.
Alongside Norris on the front row will be Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who is once again chasing the elusive dream of winning his home race. Leclerc, who claimed victory in Monaco the previous year, is determined to repeat that success and thrill the local crowd. Racing in front of his home fans, the pressure is on for the Monegasque driver, but starting from the front row gives him a strong chance of doing just that—especially on a circuit where overtaking opportunities are famously scarce.
Just behind the front row is Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate at McLaren. The Australian has shown remarkable consistency and pace throughout the season, and his third-place starting spot further solidifies McLaren’s competitive position at this stage in the championship. With both cars in the top three, the team is poised to potentially challenge for a double podium or even a one-two finish, depending on how the race unfolds.
The grid has also been impacted by penalties, with Lewis Hamilton among the drivers facing significant consequences. The seven-time world champion received a severe grid penalty following a controversial incident during qualifying, which led to the FIA issuing a disqualification ruling. While the full details of the penalty remain the subject of debate, it means Hamilton will start much further down the order than expected, drastically reducing his chances of competing for the win.
Given the history of the Monaco Grand Prix, qualifying is often the most crucial part of the weekend. In fact, it has been four decades since a driver outside the top three on the grid won a dry Monaco race. This statistic emphasizes just how vital grid position is on this tight, twisty circuit, where overtaking is a monumental task. As a result, Norris, Leclerc, and Piastri are widely seen as the most likely contenders for victory. Their positions at the front will allow them to control the pace and strategy of the race, making it extremely difficult for those starting further back to mount any serious challenge.
