McLaren’s Lando Norris Triumphs at 2025 Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco, May 2025 — Lando Norris secured his second victory of the season at the Monaco Grand Prix, successfully navigating a tactically complex race that mandated a three-set tyre strategy and two mandatory pit stops. Norris, starting from pole, held off strong challenges from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to take the win.
The race was shaped early on when Norris managed to fend off a late challenge from Leclerc at Turn 1, despite a brief lock-up. Piastri preserved his position against Max Verstappen, who made a valiant attempt around the outside of Ste Devote.
An early incident involving Gabriel Bortoleto, who crashed out after a battle with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, brought out a virtual safety car. This prompted early pit stops from several midfield drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly. Gasly’s race turned disastrous when he collided with Tsunoda, ultimately leading to his retirement after sustaining significant front-end damage.
Tactical Pit Stops Alter Race Dynamics
As the front-runners maintained track position, the race strategy took centre stage. Key moves came as Norris, Piastri, and Leclerc executed timely pit stops on laps 20 and 21, while Verstappen opted to extend his stint, hoping for a safety car that never materialized. By lap 29, he rejoined the race in fourth place, trailing the McLaren duo.
The race order intensified after the second batch of pit stops began on lap 49. Piastri’s early pit triggered reactions from Leclerc and Norris, with the latter completing his stop on lap 51. Verstappen remained out, trying to maximize his strategy, but was soon pressured by the fast-closing McLaren pair.
Final Laps and Standings
Norris ultimately retained his lead, crossing the finish line with a secure gap to Leclerc and Piastri, while Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five. Liam Lawson’s strategic driving helped secure sixth for Isack Hadjar, demonstrating Racing Bull’s effective team coordination.
Hamilton’s strong performance from seventh to fifth highlighted Mercedes’ resilience, yet they struggled to break into the points early in the race. Notably, George Russell’s aggressive maneuvers resulted in a drive-through penalty, further complicating Mercedes’ efforts for points.
Fernando Alonso’s retirement with a suspected power unit failure also marked a disappointing end to his race.
Following the Monaco Grand Prix, Norris narrows his points gap to championship leader Piastri, now just three points behind, while Verstappen sits 25 points adrift.
Race Results – 2025 Monaco Grand Prix
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bull)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bull)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
This race continues to highlight McLaren’s resurgence this season, underscoring the competitive nature of the current Formula 1 championship. The series now heads to the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, where teams will seek to build on their Monaco performances.
