Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in Formula 1 qualifying edging out local hero Charles Leclerc to claim pole position F1 Monaco 2025 in a session filled with drama and high stakes.
The McLaren driver’s final flying lap of 1:09.954 not only secured him the top spot but also set a new track record around the iconic streets of Monte Carlo, confirming his status as one of the sport’s elite qualifiers and marking a significant personal breakthrough in what has been a challenging season.
The Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session is always one of the most anticipated events on the Formula 1 calendar, given the circuit’s unforgiving nature and the premium it places on driver skill and precision.
The 2025 F1 edition was no exception, with teams and drivers acutely aware that qualifying at Monaco is arguably more crucial than at any other circuit, due to the near-impossibility of overtaking on race day.
As the session unfolded, the tension was palpable with every driver pushing the limits of their machinery and their own bravery.
Q1 set the tone for the afternoon with home favorite Charles Leclerc leading the way early on, demonstrating the pace that Ferrari had found for this unique circuit.
The first segment saw several notable incidents including a moment where Pierre Gasly was impeded by Lance Stroll, costing the Alpine driver a crucial lap and ultimately relegating him to the back of the grid.
The ever-competitive midfield saw several drivers on the cusp of elimination, but it was Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, and Franco Colapinto who were knocked out, ensuring a challenging Sunday afternoon for those teams.
As the field narrowed for Q2, the battle for the top ten intensified. The McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri looked strong as did the Ferraris of Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen who has dominated much of the 2025 F1 season, faced a more challenging weekend with the Red Bull struggling to find the perfect setup for Monaco’s tight and twisty layout.
Nevertheless, Verstappen’s raw speed ensured he progressed comfortably into Q3, albeit not at the front of the field. The session also saw impressive performances from Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls, Esteban Ocon in the Alpine and Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin, all securing places in the top ten shootout.
Q3 was where the real drama unfolded as the session became a game of nerves and timing with tyre strategies and run plans varying among the top teams.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri armed with fresh sets of soft tires opted for two flying laps in their final stint, a decision that would prove pivotal.
On his first run, Norris set a provisional pole time only for Charles Leclerc to respond with a blistering lap that briefly put the Monegasque on top.
The crowd erupted, sensing a home pole was within reach, however, Norris and Piastri had one final push left and while Piastri’s final attempt was compromised by a messy lap, Norris delivered a flawless drive to claim pole position F1 Monaco 2025 with a new track record.
Norris’s pole-winning lap of 1:09.954 was just 0.109 seconds clear of Leclerc, with Piastri a further 0.066 seconds behind in third.
Lewis Hamilton who had recovered impressively from a crash in final practice secured fourth place, while Max Verstappen could only manage fifth, underlining the challenges Red Bull faced in this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.
The top ten was completed by Isack Hadjar in sixth, Fernando Alonso in seventh, Esteban Ocon in eighth, Liam Lawson in ninth, and Alex Albon rounding out the top ten for Williams.
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Monaco Grand Prix FP3 Results 2025 F1 – Leclerc beats Verstappen to complete practice sweep
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