Formula 1 2025: Monaco GP

The Monaco Grand Prix, round eight of the 2025 season, will take place in the streets of Monte-Carlo.

Last time out at Imola, Max Verstappen secured his second victory of the season by overtaking pole-sitter Oscar Piastri at the start. Lando Norris of McLaren finished second, ahead of teammate Piastri. However, Piastri still leads the world championship by 13 points after seven rounds.

After a terrible qualifying session in front of the Italian fans, Lewis Hamilton managed to salvage a fourth-place finish for Ferrari, while Charles Leclerc came in sixth. Despite qualifying third, George Russell had a memorable race and finished in second place.

Leclerc won his home race last year amid celebrations in the principality, which is known for its winding roads. A obligatory two-pit-stop rule this year could cause a stir on race day. Charles Leclerc has already finished on the podium this season, and Lewis Hamilton nearly added his maiden Grand Prix finish as he closed to only 1.4 seconds behind Piastri on Sunday.

Hamilton has previously finished first and third in the two Sprints this year. Hamilton, who has been happy with his car's setup and feels a "synergy" and "connection" with his machinery that has been mostly absent this year, will be looking to maintain the momentum as he travels to Monaco.

Two weeks later, Imola shifted the narrative once more. Max Verstappen proved dominant in qualifying and showcased a car that excelled in race conditions across various tire compounds. His bold overtake on Piastri at Tamburello (check the clip below) secured the lead, and he held it with ease.

Norris gained three points on Piastri, tightening the championship race. Piastri’s lead over his teammate shrank to 13 points, with Verstappen now just 22 points behind. That’s less than a race win, meaning any of the top three could emerge as the leader after Monaco.

Red Bull’s recent upgrades have kept them competitive, though their performance may fluctuate. Verstappen’s consistent point-scoring, however, keeps him firmly in the title fight.

With 24 races in the season, each track has its own character, but Monaco stands out. The sight of Formula 1 cars navigating its iconic streets is unmatched. Historically a qualifying-focused circuit (more on strategy later), Monaco also rewards driver skill when the car is even marginally competitive. Watching drivers push the limits, threading through barriers on a flying qualifying lap, remains one of racing’s most thrilling spectacles.