In a breathtaking conclusion to the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session, Lando Norris clinched pole position with a remarkable final lap, clocking in at 1:09.954.
This effort edged out local favourite Charles Leclerc by a mere 0.109 seconds, thwarting the Monegasque’s bid for a home pole. McLaren’s dominance was further solidified with Oscar Piastri securing third place, marking a significant achievement for the team on the challenging streets of Monte Carlo.
Leclerc, who had dominated all three practice sessions, seemed poised to convert his pace into pole position. However, Norris’s exceptional final run disrupted those plans, showcasing McLaren’s strategic prowess and the driver’s skill under pressure. Piastri’s performance, placing him ahead of seasoned competitors, underscores McLaren’s formidable presence this season.
Lewis Hamilton, recovering from a crash in final practice, managed to secure fourth place, demonstrating resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, facing challenges during the session, settled for fifth, indicating potential struggles for Red Bull on this circuit.
“It’s been a long time coming. I feel good! I don’t think you realise how good this feels after quite a few struggles over the past few months. And here, a hard place to do it and up against the hometown hero as well,” Norris said after claiming pole in Monaco.
“The team have done an amazing job so thanks to everyone – as these days don’t come easy. It was a nice lap, it feels very good when you cross the line and it all pays off so I’m very happy.”
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
Midfield Surprises and Rookie Standouts
The qualifying session also highlighted impressive performances from emerging talents. Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar delivered a standout lap, earning sixth place and showcasing his potential on one of the most demanding tracks.
Fernando Alonso, bringing experience and consistency, secured seventh for Aston Martin. Esteban Ocon’s eighth-place finish for Haas and Liam Lawson’s ninth for Racing Bulls further emphasised the competitive nature of the midfield. Alex Albon rounded out the top ten, providing Williams with a strong starting position.
Notably, Carlos Sainz narrowly missed the top ten, placing 11th after expressing concerns about grip levels during his final run. Yuki Tsunoda, adapting to Red Bull’s setup, secured twelfth, reflecting ongoing adjustments within the team.
Mercedes faced a challenging session, with George Russell experiencing a power failure in Q2, resulting in a fourteenth-place start. Rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli’s crash in Q1 placed him 15th, indicating a need for recovery strategies in the upcoming race.
As the grid prepares for the Monaco Grand Prix, the narrow streets and limited overtaking opportunities underscore the importance of qualifying positions. Norris’s pole position places him in a favourable spot, but the unpredictable nature of Monaco ensures that the race remains open and competitive
