Norris Shines in Monaco, Spoiling Ferrari’s Anniversary Celebrations

Exactly 75 years ago, the Formula 1 World Championship debuted at Silverstone, and from there, participants headed to the next stage in Monaco. Since then, the narrow and winding streets of the principality have continued to host the world’s fastest drivers.

Ferrari, which also debuted in Monaco 75 years ago, is the only team to have competed in the championship without interruption since then. Therefore, a victory in Monaco carried special symbolic meaning for the Scuderia. However, one of the season’s main contenders, McLaren, historically holds more victories on this street circuit — and this time, the main battle once again was between drivers from these two legendary teams.

Because Monaco’s narrow layout makes overtaking difficult, a new regulation was introduced this season — requiring two mandatory pit stops for each driver. However, this change didn’t significantly alter the race’s outcome. Just like last year, overtakes were few, and the results played out exactly as expected.

In Friday and Saturday’s free practice sessions, Ferrari’s local driver Charles Leclerc topped the timing charts and was the favorite for pole position. However, in the final session of qualifying, Lando Norris delivered a stellar lap to outpace Leclerc and take pole. Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton completed the top three, but Hamilton was demoted three places due to blocking Verstappen, allowing the Dutchman to start fourth.

At the race start, there were no overtakes in the top ten. The race was calmer than expected due to the tight track and strategic decisions. Apart from minor contact between Gasly and Tsunoda, and Alonso’s retirement due to a mechanical issue, the race proceeded without major surprises.

Lando Norris converted pole into a flawless victory, living out a childhood dream under the spotlight. Charles Leclerc finished second, celebrating a podium at home, while Oscar Piastri completed the podium in third, giving McLaren yet another double podium this season.

Verstappen finished fourth, and Hamilton fifth. Isaac Hadjar (Racing Bulls) impressed with a strong drive to sixth, while Esteban Ocon (Haas) secured seventh. Liam Lawson earned his first career points.

In the drivers' standings, the gap between Piastri and Norris is now just three points, with Verstappen solidifying his third place. McLaren has extended its lead in the Constructors' Championship, followed closely by Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.

The next race will take place this weekend in Barcelona. Under the new regulations, FIA’s rule concerning front wing mounting will be applied for the first time on this track — sparking interest in how it will impact the balance of power.