Race 8 - 2025 Monaco GP

[Nitrodaze]

We head back to the glitzy principality of Monaco. A mandatory two-stop strategy has been imposed for this race. The teams must run at least two tyre compounds. The supersoft C6 tyres are also available this weekend, but it was tricky to use at Imola. Chances are, it may be seen only during qualifying and free practice.

Charles LeClerc won this race last time, but the SF25 does not seem to have the potency of its previous incarnation. All indications are that there will be a new winner of the Monaco GP, but who?

The weather forecast is suggesting that it may be a dry race, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Sunny with spells of overcast. A Mercedes-friendly weather, you might say.

McLaren is showing vulnerability in qualifying. Hence, this is a race that may be won by any one of the front runners. Hence, an Antonelli win is very much on the cards. McLaren would be seeking to bounce back from their thrashing by Verstappen and Redbull at Imola. Verstappen would be seeking to eat further into the Piastri championship lead. The driver's championship continues to be on the balance, with four drivers very much in contention. Piastri may be in the lead of the championship, but he is by no means comfortably ahead. Monaco presents a possibility that a new twist may emerge this weekend.

Verstappen showed Piastri he still has much to learn at Imola. A painful lesson for the young Australian. But the painful lessons are the ones that stick the longest in the mind. More importantly, Verstappen showcased why he is the most relevant racer in this ground-effect era. Unfortunately, McLaren is looking like their own worst enemy as they were once again slow to reading and reacting to the moments of the race at Imola.
To some extent, they gifted Verstappen an easy win when they could have made it as awkward as possible to see what was possible. Monaco is unforgiving, hence, any weakness would be greatly exploited by the competition. Therefore, all teams would need to be at their best operationally or face disappointment at this race.

Ferrari showed flashes of great race pace at Imola. One wonders if the street circuit of Monaco may favour the SF25. Hence, we cannot rule out another LeClerc win this weekend.

[F1-analysis.com]

Article on what makes the Monaco circuit so unique in F1. From Scuba Divers to its pathetically slow average speed.

https://f1-analysis.com/2025/05/20/w...uit-is-unique/

[airshifter]

It's looking like at least three teams have a shot at pole. I was expecting Max and Oscar to be shooting it out for the top step, but it looks like Lando and Ferrari are in there with a shot as well, and right now Charles seems to be very strong.

Since the track is still getting faster who gets cut each session might be decided by track position and timing as much as skill. It's going to be hectic the first couple sessions.

At this point it looks like just about anything could happen towards the front. Being Monaco, there is a good chance that it's not who we think it will be.

[airshifter]

And to add to the above....

Though I really don't like the artificial chaos created by it, the mandatory two stop race could really shake things up. With the chances of safety cars being high, combined with the usual peril of track position at Monaco just about anything can happen.

I'm sure the teams spent a lot of time on various strategy scenarios, but it's hard to say if they could possibly cover everything properly. This race could easily be won buy a lesser team if luck comes their way.

[Nitrodaze]

Both Mercedes out in Q2, WHAT???

[Nitrodaze]

OH WOW, LANDOOOOOOO!
Norris on pole in what seemed like a guaranteed LeClerc pole. The driver's championship table seems set to have a shake-up by the end of this race.

[Matthew]

Really hoping the mandatory two-stop strategy makes the race more exciting. Last year’s Monaco GP was one of the most boring, so it is good to see the FIA trying something new to mix things up. If you are interested, this isn't the first time F1 has used track-specific rules. This article has some interesting examples from the past. Do you think this will actually change the race or will it still be the usual Monaco procession?

[Nitrodaze]

Article on what makes the Monaco circuit so unique in F1. From Scuba Divers to its pathetically slow average speed.

https://f1-analysis.com/2025/05/20/w...uit-is-unique/

Nice, that was a great read. Well done

[Nitrodaze]

Really hoping the mandatory two-stop strategy makes the race more exciting. Last year’s Monaco GP was one of the most boring, so it is good to see the FIA trying something new to mix things up. If you are interested, this isn't the first time F1 has used track-specific rules. This article has some interesting examples from the past. Do you think this will actually change the race or will it still be the usual Monaco procession?

Interesting article. I think we talked about these at those race weekends. Monaco needs something to remain relevant with these fat boy F1 cars racing on it these days. It would be more interesting with the narrower 2026 cars l think.