Monaco Grand Prix 2025: pre-qualifying

Ferrari had a lovely couple of practice session. Leclerc was fastest in FP1, although Hamilton was down in 9th. Verstappen was 2nd then came Norris, Albon, Piastri, Russell, Sainz, Gasly, Hamilton, and Alonso.

Leclerc was also top in FP2, just ahead of Piastri. After them came Hamilton, Norris, Lawson and Hadjar (rather good for Racing Bulls), Alonso, Albon, Antonelli, and Verstappen.

I expected Ferrari to be rubbish as their car is, apparently, weak in slow corners which is all Monaco is. Hmm. Anyway, they’re looking very much in the fight with McLaren to be quickest, while Mercedes and perhaps Verstappen are off the pace.

During practice Stroll earned himself a 1 place grid penalty for dicking about with Leclerc.

In third practice Leclerc was once again quickest, two-tenths up on Verstappen (whose Red Bull team once again improved the setup dramatically from Friday). Norris was a hundredth further back, with Piastri a little more behind. Hamilton (see below) was 5th, then came Albon, Lawson, Sainz, Tsunoda, and Antonelli, with Russell in 11th.

There was a late red flag in FP3 when Hamilton crashed out but it shouldn’t be a problem for qualifying.

 

Verstappen and Piastri have dominated qualifying since Australia, but Leclerc’s looking competitive. This is due in part to Ferrari slapping on the 2024 rear wing, which is working wonderfully.

Those three and Norris, with Hamilton also possibly involved, are in contention for pole. Traffic can be abysmal in Monaco, which may affect things.

I think Norris and Verstappen shouldn’t be underestimated. Contrary to my expectations, Piastri has looked a step behind his team mate this time despite outqualifying him in 2024.

It’s tight among four of the top drivers, but Hamilton’s out at 17. Boosted, this is 19, and (each way) I’ve backed this. Yes, he’s an outside shot and almost certain to be behind Leclerc but his odds should not be that long.


Morris

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