Monaco Grand Prix – Qualifying: Norris showers Monaco, Leclerc second
Lando Norris claimed an unexpected pole in Monte Carlo on Saturday, after an exceptional lap in the final seconds of Q3. Charles Leclerc, who had been leading for a long time, would have to wait for another home pole.
Q1: Mercedes collapses, Hadjar shines
Thunderbolt from Q1: George Russell, a victim of a mechanical issue at the rear of his Mercedes, was unable to defend his chances and was eliminated right away. A first for the Briton this season, and a huge blow for the German team. Even worse: his teammate Kimi Antonelli hit the rail at the end of the session, causing a red flag. The Italian rookie, already under pressure after a challenging start to the season, will start at the back of the grid.
On the other hand, Isack Hadjar delivered a superb performance to reach Q2 with his Racing Bulls. Another proof of the Frenchman’s progress, who continues to impress in his first full season.
Q2: The favorites settle in, Albon creates a surprise
Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull qualified smoothly for Q3. Charles Leclerc, cheered at every corner, clocked in a commanding 1’10″1. Max Verstappen, slightly behind on this very technical track, settled for the fifth fastest time.
Surprise of the day: Alexander Albon, at the wheel of a well-balanced Williams, clinched a qualification in Q3. The Thai driver notably outpaced Alonso and Sergio Pérez, who were caught out by traffic and the rapidly changing track conditions. On the Haas side, Esteban Ocon continues his strong momentum by bringing his car into the top 10.
Q3: Norris delivers the perfect lap, Leclerc frustrated again
In an intensely contested session, Charles Leclerc first made Monaco go wild. With a time of 1’10″063, he thought he had done the hardest part. The crowd held its breath, already standing to celebrate a long-awaited pole position at home.
But Lando Norris saved the best for last. In a flawless final lap, the McLaren driver pushed for every centimeter of the track to triumph in 1’09″954. An achievement, as the margin for error is nonexistent on the streets of the Principality. The Briton secures his first pole at Monaco, his second of the season, and confirms McLaren’s excellent form.
Oscar Piastri completes the top three, with a very solid 1’10″129. Max Verstappen, fifth, was never in the rhythm for pole. Behind, Hadjar achieves a feat by setting the sixth fastest time. Ocon will start eighth.
The ranking:
| N° | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norris | McLaren F1 Team | 1:11.285 | 1:10.570 | 1:09.954 | 4 |
| 2 | Leclerc | Scuderia Ferrari | 1:11.229 | 1:10.581 | 1:10.063 | 2 |
| 3 | Piastri | McLaren F1 Team | 1:11.308 | 1:10.858 | 1:10.129 | 4 |
| 4 | Hamilton | Scuderia Ferrari | 1:11.575 | 1:10.883 | 1:10.382 | 2 |
| 5 | Verstappen | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 1:11.431 | 1:10.875 | 1:10.669 | 2 |
| 6 | Hadjar | Visa Cash App RB F1 Team | 1:11.811 | 1:11.040 | 1:10.923 | 2 |
| 7 | Alonso | Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team | 1:11.874 | 1:11.182 | 1:10.924 | 3 |
| 8 | Ocon | MoneyGram Haas F1 Team | 1:11.839 | 1:11.262 | 1:10.942 | 3 |
| 9 | Lawson | Visa Cash App RB F1 Team | 1:11.818 | 1:11.250 | 1:11.129 | 2 |
| 10 | Albon | Williams Racing | 1:11.629 | 1:10.732 | 11:11.213 | 3 |
| 11 | Sainz | Williams Racing | 1:11.707 | 1:11.362 | 3 | |
| 12 | Tsunoda | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 1:11.800 | 1:11.415 | 5 | |
| 13 | Hülkenberg | Stake F1 Team | 1:11.871 | 1:11.596 | 2 | |
| 14 | Russell | Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport | 1:11.507 | No Time | 1 | |
| 15 | Antonelli | Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport | 1:11.880 | No Time | 4 | |
| 16 | Bortoleto | Stake F1 Team | 1:11.902 | 5 | ||
| 17 | Bearman | MoneyGram Haas F1 Team | 1:11.979 | 5 | ||
| 18 | Gasly | BWT Alpine F1 Team | 1:11.994 | 4 | ||
| 19 | Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team | 1:12.563 | 3 | ||
| 20 | Colapinto | BWT Alpine F1 Team | 1:12.597 | 4 |
