Norris Grabs 2025 Monaco Pole with Record Lap in Last-Gasp Qualifying Shootout
Lando Norris delivered a sensational performance to claim pole position for the Formula 1 2025 Monaco GP, overcoming local hero Charles Leclerc and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in a dramatic final Q3 shootout. The Briton set a blistering 1:09.954, the fastest-ever qualifying lap at Monte Carlo, to cap off a thrilling Saturday session on the iconic streets of the Principality.
McLaren Seizes the Moment, Leclerc Denied Home Glory
In the final minutes of Q3, Leclerc had briefly taken provisional pole with a 1:10.063, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But McLaren had one more move left. Piastri first responded with a 1:10.140 to momentarily jump ahead, before Norris unleashed his record-breaking lap to steal the top spot by over a tenth.
While Piastri had to settle for third, his performance confirmed McLaren’s dominance over the session, with both cars on the front two rows. Leclerc, meanwhile, will start second and once again chase a long-elusive home victory.
Hamilton Rebounds, Verstappen Struggles in Qualifying
Lewis Hamilton rebounded from a heavy crash in FP3 to put his Ferrari fourth on the grid, a strong recovery after mechanics rebuilt the rear of his car. Max Verstappen, however, had a less successful outing. Despite looking competitive in Q1, the Red Bull driver struggled in the final segment and could only manage fifth.
Rounding out the top ten were Isack Hadjar, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Liam Lawson, and Alex Albon.
Qualifying Drama: Crashes, Red Flags, and Strategy Twists
Qualifying was far from straightforward. In Q1, rookie Kimi Antonelli crashed at the Nouvelle Chicane, bringing out the red flag and halting several drivers’ laps. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll were involved in traffic incidents, with Gasly expressing frustration over being impeded.
In Q2, George Russell suffered a power failure and stopped in the tunnel, triggering another red flag. Carlos Sainz failed to make Q3, citing a lack of grip on the soft tyres. He’ll start 11th, followed by Yuki Tsunoda, Nico Hulkenberg, Russell, and Antonelli.
Notable Eliminations and Grid Penalties
Drivers knocked out in Q1 included Gabriel Bortoleto, Ollie Bearman, Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, and Lance Stroll. Bearman will drop to the back of the grid after receiving a 10-place penalty for a red flag infringement in FP2, while Stroll incurs a one-place penalty for an earlier incident with Leclerc.
Formula 1 2025 Monaco GP Qualifying Results:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:09.954
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:10.063
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:10.129
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:10.382
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:10.669
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 1:10.923
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:10.924
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:10.942
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 1:11.129
- Alexander Albon (Williams) – 1:11.213
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:11.362
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 1:11.415
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) – 1:11.596
- George Russell (Mercedes) – DNF
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:11.880
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 1:11.902
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 1:11.979
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:11.994
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:12.563
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1:12.597
*Stroll penalised one grid position for causing a collision during practice, and a further three grid positions for impeding during Qualifying. Bearman penalised 10 positions for overtaking under red flags in practice. Hamilton penalised three positions for impeding in Qualifying.
All Eyes on Sunday’s Race
With Norris on pole and Leclerc once again starting near the front at home, the stage is set for a tense and tactical Monaco Grand Prix, where track position is everything. The race begins at 15:00 local time on Sunday.
Can Norris convert his pole into victory on F1’s most iconic stage, or will Leclerc finally win at home? The 2025 Monaco GP promises edge-of-your-seat action from lights out to the chequered flag.
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