Monaco Grand Prix: Session Guide & Preview

Steeped in history, the Circuit de Monaco has hosted 70 races across the 75-year span of Formula 1.

From those 70 events, there have been 37 different winners, with a remarkable 32 victories coming from pole position. Could the 2025 race introduce a 38th unique winner to stand on the top step of the podium?

McLaren has shown formidable pace early in the 2025 season. Max Verstappen of Red Bull stands out as the only driver besides McLaren contenders to have secured a win this year, adding an element of surprise to the championship battle.

With 15 victories, McLaren holds the record for the most wins at Monaco, though their last triumph here was in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton. The 1990s saw a dominant period for the team, securing five of Ayrton Senna`s record six wins in the principality.

Among the current grid, only Verstappen, Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc have previously won in Monaco. The question remains: who will conquer the streets this Sunday?

The weather forecast for the weekend predicts sunshine with high temperatures around 18°C and scattered clouds from Friday through to race day.

Latest Updates

• McLaren has unveiled a special retro-inspired livery that will be featured on their cars for the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix.
• F1 senior writer Laurence Edmondson provides an analysis on whether Max Verstappen`s performance at Imola elevates him to title contender status. Meanwhile, Verstappen himself expressed disappointment about Imola being potentially removed from the calendar.
• Lewis Hamilton shares optimism regarding Ferrari`s potential after the Imola race, while last year`s Monaco winner Charles Leclerc highlights some persistent challenges for the Ferrari team.
• ESPN`s F1 podcast “Unlapped” features a race preview and the latest insights from Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting from Monaco.

Circuit Statistics and History

Monaco is unique as a “home” race for many drivers who reside in the principality, allowing them a short commute. It holds particular significance for Monégasque driver Charles Leclerc, who learned to swim in the famous pool located near Turns 14-15.

Often referred to as the `jewel in the F1 crown`, the street circuit of Monte Carlo boasts a rich motorsport heritage dating back to its first race in 1929. It was included in the inaugural Formula 1 championship in 1950 and remains a cornerstone 75 years later.

While F1 cars have grown significantly over time, the narrow streets of Monaco have not changed. This makes overtaking exceptionally difficult and leaves virtually no margin for error in the tight corners. Consequently, Saturday`s qualifying session is frequently the most critical hour of the weekend.

To potentially inject more strategic variation into Sunday`s race this year, Formula 1 has mandated a minimum of two pit stops.

Monaco Grand Prix: Key Details

• Circuit: Circuit de Monaco, Monaco
• First F1 race: 1950
• Lap record: 1:12.909, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2021
• Race Distance: 78 laps of 3.3 km, totaling 260 km
• Most Wins: Ayrton Senna with six (1987, 1989-1993). Current drivers with wins:
  • Fernando Alonso (2006-2007)
  • Lewis Hamilton (2008, 2016, 2019)
  • Max Verstappen (2021, 2023)
  • Charles Leclerc (2024)
• Most Poles: Ayrton Senna with five (1985, 1988-1991). Current drivers with poles:
  • Fernando Alonso (2006-2007)
  • Lewis Hamilton (2015, 2019)
  • Max Verstappen (2023)
  • Charles Leclerc (2021-2022, 2024)
• Wins from Pole: 32 out of 70 races have been won from pole position. Monaco is tied with the German Grand Prix for the highest number of wins from pole all-time.
• Unique Aspect: F1`s enduring anomaly, this circuit`s layout from 1929 would never be approved for a new track today. Racing grand prix cars here creates a unique spectacle, with qualifying being particularly thrilling as drivers push right to the barriers.
• Driver Perspective: Famously described by Nelson Piquet as “like riding a bicycle around your living room.”
• Best Viewing Spot: The Swimming Pool complex. This is the fastest part of the circuit and provides an iconic F1 view. Spectators can watch cars pass within millimetres of the barriers with superyachts in the harbour providing a stunning backdrop.

Last Year`s Race (2024)

Last year`s Monaco Grand Prix delivered the result many locals and fans had eagerly awaited. Charles Leclerc finally overcame the notorious `Monaco curse` to win his home race.

Born and raised in the principality, Leclerc secured a flawless victory, leading from start to finish and holding off Oscar Piastri, who finished second.

Leclerc`s Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, completed the podium in third place.

Race Predictions

The Monaco street circuit often acts as an outlier on the F1 calendar and can produce unexpected results. However, its emphasis on slow-speed corners is expected to suit the strengths of McLaren`s package, positioning either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri as potential favourites.

Oscar Piastri has demonstrated increased confidence in pushing the car to its limits this year, a factor that could prove crucial on the demanding Monaco circuit. For this reason, our prediction is for Piastri to take victory from pole position this weekend.

Championship Overview

While the recent result at Imola didn`t drastically alter the championship standings, Oscar Piastri`s lead has slightly decreased from 16 to 13 points.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is closing the gap to Lando Norris, now trailing by just nine points in third. This sets the stage for an exciting battle in the upcoming races.

In the constructors` championship, McLaren is solidifying its dominant position. With a significant 12 podium finishes and five wins compared to Mercedes` four podiums, the papaya team holds a substantial 132-point lead.

How to Watch the Monaco Grand Prix

Broadcast details vary by region:

• In the U.S., the race is available on ESPN and ESPN+.
• In the U.K., live coverage is provided by Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

For ongoing news, analysis, and updates throughout the weekend, follow ESPN`s F1 coverage featuring Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting live from Monaco, as well as updates on social media platforms.