Norris wins tactical battle on streets of Monaco 2025

Lando Norris won the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix after 78 laps where the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) implemented a special rule: all drivers had to use three sets of tires, forcing at least two pit stops. This exceptional regulation aimed to generate more overtaking and tactical variety on a track where passing has historically been nearly impossible.

The British McLaren driver started from pole and maintained his position despite locking his tires at Sainte Devote on the first lap. Charles Leclerc finished second, 3.131 seconds behind, while Oscar Piastri completed the podium for McLaren.

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Gasly retires after collision with Tsunoda at tunnel chicane

The race started dramatically when Gabriel Bortoleto hit the barriers at Portier while battling Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Brazilian continued but caused a virtual safety car period that some used for their first pit stop.

Pierre Gasly attempted to pass Yuki Tsunoda at the new chicane but his brakes didn't respond. The Alpine hit the Japanese driver's Red Bull, damaging its left front corner and forcing his retirement after just seven laps. Tsunoda was able to continue without damage while pieces of Gasly's front wing were scattered across the track.

Verstappen maintains lead until penultimate lap

Max Verstappen and Red Bull tried a different tactic: extending their stints to lead the race while hoping for a red flag that would allow them to change tires for free. The Dutchman took the lead when McLaren and Leclerc made their second stops, but had to pit on lap 77 of 78 to comply with the three-tire-set regulation.

This move cost Verstappen a podium, as he finished fourth over 20 seconds behind the winner. During the final laps, his slow pace allowed Leclerc and Piastri to close dangerously on Norris, but the Briton controlled the situation.

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Russell given drive-through penalty for illegal overtake

Lewis Hamilton completed a lonely race to fifth place, gaining two positions from his grid penalty for obstructing Verstappen in qualifying. His former teammate George Russell had a frustrating afternoon: annoyed by Alex Albon's defense, he deliberately cut the chicane thinking he would only receive a time penalty.

The stewards interpreted the maneuver as unsportsmanlike and imposed a drive-through penalty that ruined any chance of points. Russell finished eleventh behind the Williams cars of Albon and Carlos Sainz.

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Hadjar impresses in Monaco debut with Racing Bulls

Rookie Isack Hadjar finished sixth in his first Monaco appearance, helped by teammate Liam Lawson who protected him in the early laps before letting him through. Esteban Ocon was seventh for Haas after perfectly executing his two mandatory pit stops.

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Fernando Alonso retired on lap 36 with mechanical issues on his Aston Martin. The two-time Spanish champion carefully parked behind the wall at Rascasse to avoid causing yellow flags. Among other rookies, Oliver Bearman climbed to 12th after starting with a penalty, while Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto also saw the checkered flag.

The victory leaves Norris just three points behind teammate Piastri in the championship. Verstappen remains 25 points behind the Australian before next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

2025 Monaco Grand Prix Results