Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in strategy and composure to win the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, taking the checkered flag ahead of Charles Leclerc and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The Briton’s second victory of the season not only ended McLaren’s long wait for a Monaco triumph but also reignited the championship battle, bringing Norris within three points of Piastri at the top.
Pole to Glory — But Not Without Drama
Starting from pole after a stunning qualifying, Norris made a clean getaway but locked up heavily into Turn 1 at Sainte Devote. Despite the scare, he held firm against a fast-starting Leclerc. From there, the 78-lap race became a tense battle of tyre strategies and patience, especially under a new rule that forced every driver to make two pit stops using at least three different tyre compounds.
While the new regulation was designed to shake up the race, it ended up adding strategic complexity rather than overtaking excitement on the tight, twisty streets of Monte Carlo.
Leclerc, Piastri Keep Pressure On
Leclerc kept the home crowd’s hopes alive with a strong performance throughout. He stayed within striking distance of Norris and made his move during the pit window, but McLaren’s timing and execution kept Norris in front. Piastri, who entered the race as championship leader, stayed close behind in third but couldn’t find a way past his teammate or the Ferrari.
Verstappen, who started on a different tyre strategy and led late into the race, eventually pitted on the penultimate lap and dropped to fourth. The Red Bull star showed flashes of his usual pace but was ultimately undone by the two-stop rule.
Hamilton, Hadjar and Williams Shine in the Midfield
Lewis Hamilton had a relatively quiet race, recovering from a grid penalty to finish fifth for Ferrari. Rookie Isack Hadjar impressed once again, finishing sixth and playing a vital role in Racing Bulls’ team strategy that helped Liam Lawson secure eighth.
Williams delivered a rare double-points finish, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz grabbing ninth and tenth. Albon’s defensive driving even earned him a penalty complaint from Mercedes’ George Russell, who finished outside the points after a drive-through penalty for an illegal overtake.
The race wasn’t without drama. Pierre Gasly retired after a collision with Yuki Tsunoda in the tunnel, while Fernando Alonso’s engine gave up halfway through the race. Haas rookie Ollie Bearman staged a solid recovery to finish 12th after starting 20th on the grid.
Norris: “A Dream Come True”
After crossing the finish line with the fastest lap, Norris couldn’t hide his emotion. “It feels amazing,” he said. “It’s a long, gruelling race, but good fun. I had Charles and Max both right behind me, but we got it done. Winning in Monaco has been a dream since I was a kid.”
Championship Picture
With Piastri finishing third and Norris taking maximum points, the McLaren pair are now locked in a close title fight. Verstappen’s alternate strategy cost him valuable points, leaving him trailing by 25.
Final Top 10: Monaco Grand Prix 2025
| Position | Driver | Team | Time / Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:40:33.843 |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +3.131s |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +3.658s |
| 4 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +20.572s |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +51.387s |
| 6 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | |
| 7 | Esteban Ocon | Haas | |
| 8 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | |
| 9 | Alex Albon | Williams | |
| 10 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
Next Stop: The Formula 1 calendar now heads to Canada, where the fast straights of Montreal offer a very different challenge. But if Norris keeps up this form, the title fight could be the closest in years.
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