The Monaco circuit, known for its narrow and winding layout, presents a significant challenge for overtaking, making the positions set during qualifying almost as decisive as the race itself.
As the drivers struggled to find clean air with all 20 cars on track in Q1, George Russell set the pace, delivering the fastest lap and setting a strong foundation for a potential top grid start. Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Logan Sargeant, Zhou Guanyu, and Valtteri Bottas were all eliminated in the first round.
Q2 was filled with near misses, including a close call for Kevin Magnussen, who tapped the wall but managed to continue. Verstappen and Piastri reported similar incidents, a common sight in Monaco, where even the smallest mistake can end a driver’s session prematurely.
The two McLarens split by Max Verstappen topped the time sheets in Q2. Despite their strong start, both the Haas cars of Magnussen and Hulkenburg were eliminated from Q2, along with Ocon, Ricciardo, and Stroll.
The Mercedes seemed to come alive this weekend, with both cars making it into Q3.
The session ended with hometown hero Charles Leclerc on pole to start the race, next to Oscar Piastri. Behind Piastri is the second Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, followed by the second Mclaren of Lando Norris. Max Verstappen, who has struggled all weekend, will start sixth on the grid, ending his record-equalling streak of 8 consecutive pole positions.
The Dutchman made a mistake in turn one on his last attempt and couldn’t improve his lap. He hit the wall without damaging the car, though.