McLaren driver Lando Norris won a very strange Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, Round 8 of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, in Monte Carlo. The two-stop experiment bombed.
Norris was pretty much flawless in Monte Carlo on Saturday and Sunday. Today the two-stop rule turned the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix into a strategic stalemate, with little racing and some dubious tactics doing fans no favours. The top three, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, finished as they started.
What promised to be a scintillating 71st Monaco Grand Prix, following an action-packed build-up and enthralling Qualifying, turned into a farce of sandbagging, blocking, and minimal racing.
This was no fault of the drivers or teams, who navigated the challenge of a rare two-stop mandate, introduced to "spice up the show" but instead, it neutered the event.
The race ultimately became a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver waiting patiently for the smallest mistake, with a car that had the edge in the closing stages.
Norris was flawless when it counted
Apart from a brake lock-up into Turn 1 at the start, the McLaren driver absorbed pressure, managed his tyres, and converted pole into victory. It marked Norris' second win of the season after Australia and dealt a blow to team-mate Piastri’s 2025 F1 championship lead after eight rounds. What was a 13-point lead before this race is now down to only three.
Norris said afterwards in parc ferme: "It feels amazing. It's a long, gruelling race, but good fun. We could push for much of the race. The last quarter was stressful with Leclerc behind and Max ahead, but we won in Monaco.
"The worst bit was the end. I felt quite under control the whole race but Max was backing it up a little bit, and I knew Charles had opportunities. I tried to back off Max so I could push when I needed to. I'm very happy, my team are very happy. Therefore, we're going to have a wonderful night!" declared the Englishman, now a six-time GP winner.
McLaren's strategy had Norris pit first, followed by Piastri and Leclerc. A slow rear-left change cost Piastri second place, allowing Leclerc to jump ahead. As the top four bunched up behind a long-running Max Verstappen, Norris stayed composed. Piastri, closing fast on fresher tyres, could not find a way through on the tight Monte Carlo streets.
Leclerc: We lost the race yesterday
In the Monaco Parc Ferme afterwards, Leclerc reflected on his race to P2: "At the end of the day, we lost the race yesterday. We should have done a better job. Lando did a better job this weekend and deserved the win. I realised a childhood dream last year, not this year, but considering everything it was a lot above our expectations.
"I thought being in the top 10 would be a challenge, at the end we are second and very close to P2. It has been a good weekend overall, but I wish I had won," lamented the Kid from Monaco.
Piatri shared his thoughts with MC Jenson Button: "Obviously the win would have been better. It's been a tricky weekend, from practice through to qualifying. We were close, but not quite close enough. Pretty happy with that overall.
"Obviously, some things to look at for when we come here next year but we got points on the board and another podium at Monaco, so it's not all bad. If this is a bad weekend, it's not going too badly at all. Well done to Lando for a great weekend and for Charles for being as quick as usual," added the Australian.
Red Bull gambled with Verstappen but it did not work
Verstappen eventually pitted with a lap remaining, handing Norris the lead and clean air to clinch victory, setting the fastest lap on the final tour. Leclerc followed home 3.1 seconds adrift, with Piastri securing third for a double McLaren podium.
Red Bull’s gamble to delay the Champ's final stop backfired, and he finished fourth. Hamilton came home fifth, a distant 51 seconds behind the winner recovering from P7 on the grid.
Best of the rookies again, Isack Hadjar impressed for Racing Bulls in sixth, benefitting from clever team strategy as Liam Lawson backed up rivals to help his team-mate. Esteban Ocon took seventh for Haas, capitalising on Fernando Alonso’s retirement.
Lawson ended up eighth, while Williams executed a team switch in the final laps to finish with Alex Albon ninth and Carlos Sainz tenth, completing a solid double points result at Monaco.
The Final Word to Zak Brown: It was pretty much a perfect weekend
Norris' victory today in Monaco takes McLaren's tally to 16 Grand Prix wins at the principality, half a dozen more than Ferrari in P2. The team's first since 2008 when Lewis Hamilton drove for them. It was also their 195th victory in Formula 1.
This is what a beaming Zak Brown had to say after collecting the Monaco winner's trophy on the royal balcony earlier: "What a great race. Charles drove brilliantly, Max was awesome, and of course, my two guys were great. The strategy was great, it was maybe a bit more exciting than we would have liked! It was pretty much a perfect weekend. Couldn't be happier.
"It's pretty cool [to have two guys battling for the title]. It's getting fun the second half of the year. I'm happy to see them race. The results look the same but the stress on pit wall, getting through the traffic, Charles, Max, it was much more exciting than the usual Monaco - even if the timing sheets look the same," added the McLaren CEO.
2025 Monaco Grand Prix Provisional Race Result
2025 Monaco Grand Prix as it happened
Start: Norris leads cleanly as Monaco Grand Prix begins, early incident brings VSC drama
Lap 1: Clean getaway as Norris holds the lead
Lando Norris made a clean start from pole, locking up slightly into Ste Devote but maintaining his lead as the field filtered through safely. Lewis Hamilton looked for a move on Fernando Alonso but couldn’t find a way past.
Lando Norris made a clean start from pole, locking up slightly into Ste Devote but maintaining his lead as the field filtered through safely. Lewis Hamilton looked for a move on Fernando Alonso but couldn’t find a way past.
Lap 1: Bortoleto hits the wall at Portier
Further down the order, Gabriel Bortoleto slid into the tyre barrier at Portier while battling Kimi Antonelli. The Sauber appeared to escape contact, but the incident triggered an early Virtual Safety Car.
Further down the order, Gabriel Bortoleto slid into the tyre barrier at Portier while battling Kimi Antonelli. The Sauber appeared to escape contact, but the incident triggered an early Virtual Safety Car.
Lap 1: VSC triggers early pit stops
With the VSC deployed, several drivers opted for early pit stops. Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Ollie Bearman, and Bortoleto all came in for fresh tyres at the end of the opening lap.
With the VSC deployed, several drivers opted for early pit stops. Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Ollie Bearman, and Bortoleto all came in for fresh tyres at the end of the opening lap.
Lap 3: VSC remains in place
The race remained under Virtual Safety Car conditions as marshals cleared debris. None of the front-runners opted to pit, with the top order holding position.
The race remained under Virtual Safety Car conditions as marshals cleared debris. None of the front-runners opted to pit, with the top order holding position.
Lap 4: Race resumes under green flag
The VSC ended and the race resumed. Norris and Charles Leclerc immediately began pulling clear of Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver was already 24 seconds ahead of Tsunoda, highlighting the advantage for those yet to stop. With only a VSC deployed, drivers who pitted could not close the gap to the leaders.
The VSC ended and the race resumed. Norris and Charles Leclerc immediately began pulling clear of Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver was already 24 seconds ahead of Tsunoda, highlighting the advantage for those yet to stop. With only a VSC deployed, drivers who pitted could not close the gap to the leaders.
Lap 6: Piastri playing the team game?
Oscar Piastri dropped five seconds behind the leaders, raising speculation that he may be backing up the pack strategically rather than struggling with outright pace. Max Verstappen was a further two seconds behind.
Oscar Piastri dropped five seconds behind the leaders, raising speculation that he may be backing up the pack strategically rather than struggling with outright pace. Max Verstappen was a further two seconds behind.
Lap 7: Bearman flying on hard tyres
Ollie Bearman, running in 19th after his early stop, set a lap time 4.5 seconds quicker than race leader Norris. With 15 seconds of clean air before reaching Gasly in P18, Bearman began closing a 37.7s gap to the front.
Ollie Bearman, running in 19th after his early stop, set a lap time 4.5 seconds quicker than race leader Norris. With 15 seconds of clean air before reaching Gasly in P18, Bearman began closing a 37.7s gap to the front.
Lap 9: Gasly crashes into Tsunoda at Nouvelle Chicane
Pierre Gasly ran into the back of Yuki Tsunoda at the Nouvelle Chicane, reporting brake failure moments later. Tsunoda’s car sustained heavy damage, with a wheel hanging off as he limped back to the pits. Debris littered the track, prompting double yellow flags but no Safety Car.
Pierre Gasly ran into the back of Yuki Tsunoda at the Nouvelle Chicane, reporting brake failure moments later. Tsunoda’s car sustained heavy damage, with a wheel hanging off as he limped back to the pits. Debris littered the track, prompting double yellow flags but no Safety Car.
Lap 9: Tsunoda furious on the radio
An enraged Tsunoda took to team radio: “Is he an idiot, what is he doing!?” after the contact with Gasly ended his race.
An enraged Tsunoda took to team radio: “Is he an idiot, what is he doing!?” after the contact with Gasly ended his race.
Pit stop phase shakes up the order as leaders commit to strategy
Lap 11: Verstappen frustrated behind Piastri
Max Verstappen voiced his irritation as he remained stuck behind Oscar Piastri, who appeared to be managing the gap to the leaders. Verstappen looked for an opportunity at the chicane just after yellow flags were withdrawn but Piastri firmly closed the door.
Max Verstappen voiced his irritation as he remained stuck behind Oscar Piastri, who appeared to be managing the gap to the leaders. Verstappen looked for an opportunity at the chicane just after yellow flags were withdrawn but Piastri firmly closed the door.
Lap 13: Hulkenberg pits
Nico Hulkenberg was the next to make a stop. He rejoined near the back, just behind Bearman and Bortoleto, giving him some clean air to work with.
Nico Hulkenberg was the next to make a stop. He rejoined near the back, just behind Bearman and Bortoleto, giving him some clean air to work with.
Lap 14: Colapinto stops
Franco Colapinto brought his Alpine in for his first stop. After qualifying at the back, the Argentine returned to the track still rooted at the rear of the field.
Franco Colapinto brought his Alpine in for his first stop. After qualifying at the back, the Argentine returned to the track still rooted at the rear of the field.
Lap 15: Hadjar makes his first stop
Isack Hadjar was the first from the leading group to pit. The Racing Bulls driver switched to soft tyres and rejoined in eighth, comfortably ahead of his teammate Liam Lawson. The strategy appeared to be working well for the French rookie.
Isack Hadjar was the first from the leading group to pit. The Racing Bulls driver switched to soft tyres and rejoined in eighth, comfortably ahead of his teammate Liam Lawson. The strategy appeared to be working well for the French rookie.
Lap 15: Norris nearing a window
Lando Norris continued to lead the race, 1.7 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc and 3.6 seconds clear of Piastri. Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok noted a potential opportunity: “If Lando Norris now pitted he would come out in free air in about seven seconds in that gap.”
Lando Norris continued to lead the race, 1.7 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc and 3.6 seconds clear of Piastri. Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok noted a potential opportunity: “If Lando Norris now pitted he would come out in free air in about seven seconds in that gap.”
Lap 16: Leclerc on 'Plan B'
After asking his engineers how much to push, Charles Leclerc was told he was now on 'Plan B' – interpreted as an instruction to increase his pace. However, he had already dropped over two seconds behind Norris.
After asking his engineers how much to push, Charles Leclerc was told he was now on 'Plan B' – interpreted as an instruction to increase his pace. However, he had already dropped over two seconds behind Norris.
Lap 17: Norris extends his lead
Norris responded by stretching his advantage over Leclerc to nearly three seconds, with Piastri a further six seconds adrift in third.
Norris responded by stretching his advantage over Leclerc to nearly three seconds, with Piastri a further six seconds adrift in third.
Lap 17: Alonso pits after Hadjar
Fernando Alonso came in for Aston Martin, two laps after Hadjar. The Spaniard returned to the track just behind the Racing Bulls driver, keeping the order between the two unchanged.
Fernando Alonso came in for Aston Martin, two laps after Hadjar. The Spaniard returned to the track just behind the Racing Bulls driver, keeping the order between the two unchanged.
Told to push upon rejoining, Alonso snapped: “I can’t push now!” as he trailed Hadjar closely.
Lap 17: Hamilton told to push
Ferrari instructed Lewis Hamilton to increase his pace, telling him: “This is our race,” after the Brit asked what was needed. Now in clear air, Hamilton sat six seconds behind Verstappen.
Ferrari instructed Lewis Hamilton to increase his pace, telling him: “This is our race,” after the Brit asked what was needed. Now in clear air, Hamilton sat six seconds behind Verstappen.
Lap 19: Hamilton stops, Bearman completes second
Hamilton was called in and completed his first stop, rejoining ahead of Hadjar and Alonso to net fifth place. Meanwhile, Bearman returned to the pits for a second time, making him the first driver to complete both mandatory tyre changes before lap 20.
Hamilton was called in and completed his first stop, rejoining ahead of Hadjar and Alonso to net fifth place. Meanwhile, Bearman returned to the pits for a second time, making him the first driver to complete both mandatory tyre changes before lap 20.
Lap 20: Norris pits from the lead
McLaren brought in Norris from the front, with Leclerc inheriting the lead. Norris rejoined in fourth, behind Leclerc, Piastri and Verstappen.
McLaren brought in Norris from the front, with Leclerc inheriting the lead. Norris rejoined in fourth, behind Leclerc, Piastri and Verstappen.
Lap 21: Piastri pits but suffers delay
McLaren brought in Piastri a lap later, attempting the undercut on Leclerc. However, a slow rear-left change cost him just over a second. The delay released Verstappen, who now had the chance to overcut the McLaren. At the same time, Racing Bulls brought Hadjar in for his second stop. The Frenchman rejoined in eighth, continuing his strong strategic run through the field.
McLaren brought in Piastri a lap later, attempting the undercut on Leclerc. However, a slow rear-left change cost him just over a second. The delay released Verstappen, who now had the chance to overcut the McLaren. At the same time, Racing Bulls brought Hadjar in for his second stop. The Frenchman rejoined in eighth, continuing his strong strategic run through the field.
Lap 22: Leclerc pits, Verstappen leads
Ferrari immediately responded to McLaren’s strategy and brought in Charles Leclerc for his stop. A clean two-second service saw him rejoin between the two McLarens, slotting into third and effectively netting second place. Max Verstappen took over the race lead but was yet to stop.
Ferrari immediately responded to McLaren’s strategy and brought in Charles Leclerc for his stop. A clean two-second service saw him rejoin between the two McLarens, slotting into third and effectively netting second place. Max Verstappen took over the race lead but was yet to stop.
Lap 24: Piastri questions McLaren strategy
Oscar Piastri was unsure about his race plan after a less-than-ideal stint: “So now what’s the plan? Because that didn’t work very well,” he said over team radio. His engineer instructed him to stay with Leclerc and maintain a Safety Car window over Hamilton.
Oscar Piastri was unsure about his race plan after a less-than-ideal stint: “So now what’s the plan? Because that didn’t work very well,” he said over team radio. His engineer instructed him to stay with Leclerc and maintain a Safety Car window over Hamilton.
Lap 26: Lawson slows field to help Hadjar
Liam Lawson executed a crucial role for Racing Bulls by backing up a train of cars behind him. Running off the pace allowed his team-mate Isack Hadjar to complete both mandatory stops and still remain ahead of the pack. Behind Lawson, a long queue formed featuring Albon, Sainz, Russell, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Hulkenberg and Colapinto.
Liam Lawson executed a crucial role for Racing Bulls by backing up a train of cars behind him. Running off the pace allowed his team-mate Isack Hadjar to complete both mandatory stops and still remain ahead of the pack. Behind Lawson, a long queue formed featuring Albon, Sainz, Russell, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Hulkenberg and Colapinto.
Lap 29: Verstappen pits, Norris retakes lead
Verstappen finally came in for his first stop, but the overcut attempt failed. The Red Bull driver rejoined behind Norris, Leclerc and Piastri, in fourth place. Norris resumed the lead with a gap of 5.8 seconds to Leclerc, who was 4.2 seconds ahead of Piastri.
Verstappen finally came in for his first stop, but the overcut attempt failed. The Red Bull driver rejoined behind Norris, Leclerc and Piastri, in fourth place. Norris resumed the lead with a gap of 5.8 seconds to Leclerc, who was 4.2 seconds ahead of Piastri.
Lap 30: Norris frustrated in traffic
Caught in a tight group of backmarkers including Stroll and Bearman, Norris asked: “Why are there no blue flags?” Bearman narrowly avoided contact with Stroll at the swimming pool chicane. Norris also lapped Russell, who had not yet pitted. “Oh, this is a joke,” said Leclerc as he reached the same traffic.
Caught in a tight group of backmarkers including Stroll and Bearman, Norris asked: “Why are there no blue flags?” Bearman narrowly avoided contact with Stroll at the swimming pool chicane. Norris also lapped Russell, who had not yet pitted. “Oh, this is a joke,” said Leclerc as he reached the same traffic.
Lap 33: Lawson pits, stays in 10th
After playing the team role perfectly, Lawson came in for his first stop and switched to soft tyres. He rejoined in tenth, keeping position despite his delayed strategy.
After playing the team role perfectly, Lawson came in for his first stop and switched to soft tyres. He rejoined in tenth, keeping position despite his delayed strategy.
Lap 36: Norris clears traffic and pulls away
Norris worked his way through the backmarkers and stretched his lead over Leclerc to almost seven seconds. Piastri trailed a further five seconds behind the Ferrari driver, and Verstappen sat just over four seconds back in fourth. One mandatory stop remained for each of the leaders.
Norris worked his way through the backmarkers and stretched his lead over Leclerc to almost seven seconds. Piastri trailed a further five seconds behind the Ferrari driver, and Verstappen sat just over four seconds back in fourth. One mandatory stop remained for each of the leaders.
Lap 39: Alonso retires from sixth
Fernando Alonso pulled into a gap at Rascasse with a suspected technical issue, ending his chances of scoring his first points of the season. His retirement promoted Hadjar to sixth, Ocon to seventh, Lawson to eighth, and Williams duo Albon and Sainz to ninth and tenth respectively.
Fernando Alonso pulled into a gap at Rascasse with a suspected technical issue, ending his chances of scoring his first points of the season. His retirement promoted Hadjar to sixth, Ocon to seventh, Lawson to eighth, and Williams duo Albon and Sainz to ninth and tenth respectively.
Lap 40: Ferrari hoping for Safety Car window
Ferrari mechanics briefly emerged in the pit lane as Alonso retired, seemingly prepared for a rapid stop under a potential Safety Car. It was a reminder that the team remained alert to any sudden race developments.
Ferrari mechanics briefly emerged in the pit lane as Alonso retired, seemingly prepared for a rapid stop under a potential Safety Car. It was a reminder that the team remained alert to any sudden race developments.
Lap 42: Albon and Lawson pit together
Williams opted to pit Alex Albon on the same lap as Lawson. Both teams delivered clean stops and the drivers rejoined in the same order, with Lawson still ahead. With both Racing Bulls drivers now having completed their mandatory stops, the team held sixth and eighth in what was shaping into a strategic masterstroke.
Williams opted to pit Alex Albon on the same lap as Lawson. Both teams delivered clean stops and the drivers rejoined in the same order, with Lawson still ahead. With both Racing Bulls drivers now having completed their mandatory stops, the team held sixth and eighth in what was shaping into a strategic masterstroke.
Lap 43: Praise for Racing Bulls
Ted Kravitz hailed Racing Bulls’ strategy execution: “Can I just take a moment to praise Racing Bulls’ strategy again? They’re running in sixth and eighth and have completed all their stops.”
Ted Kravitz hailed Racing Bulls’ strategy execution: “Can I just take a moment to praise Racing Bulls’ strategy again? They’re running in sixth and eighth and have completed all their stops.”
Lap 45: Williams cars switch roles
Carlos Sainz moved ahead of Albon after the Williams driver made his second stop. Now behind his team-mate, Albon appeared to be deliberately slowing the pack to give Sainz time to build a gap before his own stops. Despite being on fresher tyres, Albon was running over two seconds off Sainz’s pace.
Carlos Sainz moved ahead of Albon after the Williams driver made his second stop. Now behind his team-mate, Albon appeared to be deliberately slowing the pack to give Sainz time to build a gap before his own stops. Despite being on fresher tyres, Albon was running over two seconds off Sainz’s pace.
Lap 49: Piastri and Leclerc complete second stops
Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc completed their second mandatory pit stops on consecutive laps. Ferrari retained track position over McLaren, with Leclerc rejoining ahead of Piastri. Both are now set to run to the end of the race.
Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc completed their second mandatory pit stops on consecutive laps. Ferrari retained track position over McLaren, with Leclerc rejoining ahead of Piastri. Both are now set to run to the end of the race.
Lap 49: Verstappen told to push
With Leclerc and Piastri having pitted, Verstappen was instructed by Red Bull to increase his pace and open a gap in case of a Safety Car. The Dutchman moved into second place at that moment, still needing to make his second stop.
With Leclerc and Piastri having pitted, Verstappen was instructed by Red Bull to increase his pace and open a gap in case of a Safety Car. The Dutchman moved into second place at that moment, still needing to make his second stop.
Lap 51: Norris pits for the final time
Race leader Lando Norris came in for his final stop. McLaren executed another clean service, and Norris rejoined in second place behind Verstappen. The Red Bull driver now led the race but still owed a stop. Red Bull appeared to be hoping for a Safety Car intervention to retain the lead.
Race leader Lando Norris came in for his final stop. McLaren executed another clean service, and Norris rejoined in second place behind Verstappen. The Red Bull driver now led the race but still owed a stop. Red Bull appeared to be hoping for a Safety Car intervention to retain the lead.
Lap 53: Russell cuts chicane, jumps Albon
George Russell overtook Alex Albon by cutting the chicane, prompting the stewards to launch an investigation. Over team radio, Russell argued: “I’ll take the penalty – he’s driving erratically,” after being told to give the position back.
George Russell overtook Alex Albon by cutting the chicane, prompting the stewards to launch an investigation. Over team radio, Russell argued: “I’ll take the penalty – he’s driving erratically,” after being told to give the position back.
Lap 53: Drive-through penalty for Russell
The stewards issued Russell a drive-through penalty for the chicane infringement. He still had to serve his two mandatory stops and was running in tenth at the time, but the penalty meant he was set to fall to the back. Another disastrous moment in a weekend to forget for Mercedes.
The stewards issued Russell a drive-through penalty for the chicane infringement. He still had to serve his two mandatory stops and was running in tenth at the time, but the penalty meant he was set to fall to the back. Another disastrous moment in a weekend to forget for Mercedes.
Lap 56: Verstappen leads, Norris close behind
Despite still being one stop short, Max Verstappen held the race lead on lap 56. McLaren informed Norris, now just two seconds behind, that Red Bull were likely “hanging it out” for a Safety Car or red flag to maintain the advantage. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, made his second stop and rejoined comfortably in fifth place thanks to a free window.
Despite still being one stop short, Max Verstappen held the race lead on lap 56. McLaren informed Norris, now just two seconds behind, that Red Bull were likely “hanging it out” for a Safety Car or red flag to maintain the advantage. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, made his second stop and rejoined comfortably in fifth place thanks to a free window.
Lap 56: Sainz completes second stop, jumps Albon
Williams played the team game perfectly again. Released by Albon earlier, Carlos Sainz was able to push hard and build a sufficient gap to complete both of his mandatory stops without losing net position. In fact, he rejoined ahead of Albon in ninth place. George Russell, having served his drive-through, now ran between the two Williams cars in tenth, but still needed to make his two actual stops. A team reversal could still be on the cards to restore Albon ahead before the finish.
Williams played the team game perfectly again. Released by Albon earlier, Carlos Sainz was able to push hard and build a sufficient gap to complete both of his mandatory stops without losing net position. In fact, he rejoined ahead of Albon in ninth place. George Russell, having served his drive-through, now ran between the two Williams cars in tenth, but still needed to make his two actual stops. A team reversal could still be on the cards to restore Albon ahead before the finish.
Lap 58: Leclerc closes up as Verstappen slows
Max Verstappen, still stretching out his second stint, continued to back off the pace. That allowed both Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc to close right up to the race leader, forming a tight three-car train at the front. The scenario appeared to favour Ferrari more than McLaren, with Verstappen seemingly intent on backing Norris into Leclerc.
Max Verstappen, still stretching out his second stint, continued to back off the pace. That allowed both Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc to close right up to the race leader, forming a tight three-car train at the front. The scenario appeared to favour Ferrari more than McLaren, with Verstappen seemingly intent on backing Norris into Leclerc.
Lap 62: Piastri closing in fast
Oscar Piastri, running on much fresher tyres in fourth, was reeling in the top three at a rate of 0.6 seconds per lap or more. With Verstappen delaying his second stop, the McLaren driver was now fewer than five seconds behind Leclerc and gaining ground quickly.
Oscar Piastri, running on much fresher tyres in fourth, was reeling in the top three at a rate of 0.6 seconds per lap or more. With Verstappen delaying his second stop, the McLaren driver was now fewer than five seconds behind Leclerc and gaining ground quickly.
Lap 65: Russell finally pits
After serving a drive-through penalty earlier, George Russell made his first actual pit stop of the race on lap 65. The Mercedes driver rejoined in 11th but still owed one more stop before the chequered flag.
After serving a drive-through penalty earlier, George Russell made his first actual pit stop of the race on lap 65. The Mercedes driver rejoined in 11th but still owed one more stop before the chequered flag.
Lap 67: Williams swap positions once more
As expected, Williams reversed the earlier team order between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Having played the role of traffic manager to allow Sainz to secure track position earlier, Albon was now allowed back through. The pair now ran in ninth and tenth respectively, both on course for a double points finish.
As expected, Williams reversed the earlier team order between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Having played the role of traffic manager to allow Sainz to secure track position earlier, Albon was now allowed back through. The pair now ran in ninth and tenth respectively, both on course for a double points finish.
Lap 67: Leclerc questions Norris’ pace
Noticing Norris dropping 2.5 seconds behind Verstappen, Leclerc radioed Ferrari with a blunt observation: “Norris is slow.” The Monegasque was now right in the hunt behind the McLaren, with tension rising as the laps ticked down.
Noticing Norris dropping 2.5 seconds behind Verstappen, Leclerc radioed Ferrari with a blunt observation: “Norris is slow.” The Monegasque was now right in the hunt behind the McLaren, with tension rising as the laps ticked down.
Lap 69: Ten laps to go, Verstappen still leads without second stop
With ten laps remaining, Max Verstappen had yet to make his mandatory second pit stop. Lando Norris had reeled him in to within 1.1 seconds, while Charles Leclerc sat close behind in third. All three were running nose-to-tail with no mistakes evident, while Oscar Piastri was just over two seconds behind Leclerc and closing in.
With ten laps remaining, Max Verstappen had yet to make his mandatory second pit stop. Lando Norris had reeled him in to within 1.1 seconds, while Charles Leclerc sat close behind in third. All three were running nose-to-tail with no mistakes evident, while Oscar Piastri was just over two seconds behind Leclerc and closing in.
Lap 70: Norris frustrated behind Verstappen
Still stuck behind the Red Bull, Norris voiced his frustration on the radio: “Where is Oscar? I need him to put Charles under some pressure. Max is just backing me up. He’s not even pushing.” McLaren told Piastri to stay close as opportunities could still arise.
Still stuck behind the Red Bull, Norris voiced his frustration on the radio: “Where is Oscar? I need him to put Charles under some pressure. Max is just backing me up. He’s not even pushing.” McLaren told Piastri to stay close as opportunities could still arise.
Lap 71: Piastri joins lead train
Oscar Piastri latched onto the back of the top three. His race engineer offered encouragement, urging him to remain close in case of a late shake-up.
Oscar Piastri latched onto the back of the top three. His race engineer offered encouragement, urging him to remain close in case of a late shake-up.
Lap 72: Antonelli finally pits
Kimi Antonelli made his first pit stop after 72 laps, a symbol of Mercedes’ troubled weekend. He rejoined at the back in 18th. George Russell remained 11th, completing a low-key race for the Silver Arrows.
Kimi Antonelli made his first pit stop after 72 laps, a symbol of Mercedes’ troubled weekend. He rejoined at the back in 18th. George Russell remained 11th, completing a low-key race for the Silver Arrows.
Lap 74: Leclerc claims Norris is erring
Charles Leclerc reported over team radio: “He’s doing many mistakes at the moment,” referring to Norris. But the narrow Monaco streets offered no way through. Verstappen still headed the group with five laps to go.
Charles Leclerc reported over team radio: “He’s doing many mistakes at the moment,” referring to Norris. But the narrow Monaco streets offered no way through. Verstappen still headed the group with five laps to go.
Lap 76: Norris holds on as Verstappen delays stop
With three laps remaining, Verstappen continued to lead but had not yet taken his second stop. Behind him, Norris, Leclerc and Piastri remained locked in formation. Despite the pressure, no overtakes appeared imminent.
With three laps remaining, Verstappen continued to lead but had not yet taken his second stop. Behind him, Norris, Leclerc and Piastri remained locked in formation. Despite the pressure, no overtakes appeared imminent.
Lap 77: Verstappen finally pits
In a rare sight, Verstappen dived into the pits with one lap to go. That handed the lead to Norris, who now had one clear lap ahead of him to convert his pole position into victory.
In a rare sight, Verstappen dived into the pits with one lap to go. That handed the lead to Norris, who now had one clear lap ahead of him to convert his pole position into victory.
Lap 78: Norris wins the Monaco Grand Prix
Lando Norris crossed the line to take victory in Monte Carlo, his first win since the season opener in Australia. He capped the result with the fastest lap of the race, once finally released from behind Verstappen.
Lando Norris crossed the line to take victory in Monte Carlo, his first win since the season opener in Australia. He capped the result with the fastest lap of the race, once finally released from behind Verstappen.
Norris beat Charles Leclerc by 3.1 seconds, with Oscar Piastri finishing third. Verstappen, after his late stop, came home fourth. Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, a distant 51 seconds behind Norris and 30 behind Verstappen.
It was a commanding drive by McLaren’s lead driver, showcasing patience, composure, and perfect execution when it mattered most on Formula 1’s most punishing street circuit.
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