Lando Norris gave a masterclass performance on the streets of Monte Carlo, winning the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix in a race that was incredibly tense and strategically challenging. Starting from pole position, the McLaren driver was under early pressure and following tactical curveballs he encountered during the race, taking one of the most illustrious wins in Formula 1.
Early Drama at Sainte Dévote
The race started with a heart-in-mouth moment for the Englishman, who ran wide on the brakes going into Sainte Dévote, but quickly settled down and picked up a rhythm. Understanding he needed to navigate traffic, adapt to mid-race Virtual Safety Car periods, and carry a mandatory two-stop rule introduced by the Formula 1 regulations in 2025 that was designed to have a more dynamic race, Norris held it together under the pressure of an unyielding Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc Falls Short
On Leclerc’s home turf, he followed Norris for most of the race but never found a significant opportunity to attack before he finished second and missed out on a dream win in Monaco. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, whose late stop risk gave him the lead for a fleeting moment, faded to fourth just before the finish when he, too, lost the podium to Oscar Piastri.
McLaren Leads Title Charge Into Summer
Piastri secured third to deliver McLaren a double podium and bring the title challenge much closer. The Australian driver is now leading the standings by a slim three points over his teammate Norris. The race for the championship is heating up as we get into the business end of the season.
In addition to Piastri and Norris, Lewis Hamilton rebounded from a grid drop after obstructing Verstappen in qualifying and scored a solid fifth place with a measured drive.
McLaren leaves Monaco with all the momentum heading out of the glamour of Monaco, with a race win, a podium finish of two, and a title race that gets more interesting with each race.
