Norris brings Leclerc: McLaren clears up on Monaco-Qualifying!

Norris brings Leclerc: McLaren clears up on Monaco-Qualifying!

On May 24, 2025, the qualifying was held at the Grand Prix of Monaco, a highlight in the Formula 1 calendar, which is known for its technical challenges and historical glamor. Lando Norris secured the pole position with an impressive lap time of 1: 09,954 minutes. In an exciting duel, he narrowly prevailed against Charles Leclerc, who drove to second place in his home game. Five new route records were set up during qualifying, which underlines the high performance of the vehicles. Norris was proud of his team and their performance, especially in view of the previous problems they had to cope with.

Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, starts from 5th place, followed by Isack Hadjar (6th), Fernando Alonso (7th) and Esteban Ocon (8th). Oscar Piatri, also from McLaren, took the third position, which is what the team is strongly represented on the Monaco course. However, Charles Leclerc threatens a punishment for disability of Verstappen, which could influence his further racing luck.

The top 10 and the challenges of the route

The remaining drivers in the top 10 are Alexander Albon and Liam Lawson, while Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda missed the Q3 as eleventh and twelfth. Sainz had problems with the grip on the soft tires in his last Q2 round. Nico Hülkenberg, who competes with the clean team, reached 13th place George Russell from Mercedes starts from 14 after he rolled out in the second segment of qualification in the tunnel. Rookie colleague Kimi Antonelli was less lucky and had an accident on the Nouvelle Chicane, which threw him back in 15th place.

The route from Monaco is 3,337 kilometers long and demands everything from the drivers. With tight curves, steep climbs and abrupt descents, the course represents one of the greatest challenges in motorsport. The Loews hair needle curve in particular is considered the slowest curve in the entire Formula 1 calendar. Overtaking maneuvers are rare due to the close route, which makes the qualification decisive to secure an optimal starting position.

punishment and the paddock

The punishments during qualifying changed the starting line -up. Ollie Bearman had to start at the end of the field due to a 10-place penalty he received because of a violation of the red flag during Friday training. Lance Stroll is also relocated to a position after he collapsed with Leclerc in the first training session. Gabriel Bortoleto (16th), Oliver Bearman (17th), Pierre Gasly (18th), Lance Stroll (19th) and Franco Colapinto (20th) follow in the overall ranking.

Qualifying not only brings thrills for the teams and drivers, but also for fans who are waiting for an exciting racing event. On Sunday it will be shown whether Norris can convert his pole position into a victory and whether Charles Leclerc can win the home game despite possible punishments. The Monaco Grand Prix remains a fascinating event full of surprises and challenges.