2025 F1: Norris wins Monaco GP as two-pitstop rule backfires

Race Summary

Lando Norris emerged victorious at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, closely fending off Charles Leclerc as the mandatory two-pitstop strategy added an intriguing layer to the race. The controversial regulations led to a series of strategic decisions that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Oscar Piastri secured third place, providing McLaren with a remarkable double podium finish. The win was vital for Norris, as it brought him within a mere three points of his teammate, Piastri, who currently leads the championship.

Race Highlights

1. Norris finishes 3.131 seconds ahead of Leclerc
2. Piastri’s championship lead reduced to three points
3. Mercedes fails to score any points

Norris Holds Off Leclerc

Verstappen Utilizes Alternate Strategy

Starting the race from pole position, Norris retained his lead despite a significant lock-up at the first corner. Throughout the race, he maintained a net advantage, losing ground only during his scheduled pit stops.

Max Verstappen chose a different approach by employing an alternate tyre strategy, delaying his final stop in hopes of a race interruption. Though that scenario did not materialize, his strategy bunched up the field during the closing stages, placing him in front of Norris, Leclerc, and Piastri.

Leclerc mounted pressure on Norris but could not overtake him. Once in clear air, Norris extended his lead after Verstappen completed his pit stop with just one lap remaining. He crossed the finish line with a 3.131-second advantage over Leclerc, achieving his first victory in Monaco. “This feels amazing. Winning here has been a childhood dream. I’m proud of myself and the team,” Norris expressed.

Reflecting on the race, Norris added, “It was a long race, but exciting as we had the opportunity to push. The final laps were challenging with Charles behind and Max ahead. However, I felt in control, able to manage my pace.”

Piastri finished third, while Verstappen placed fourth. Lewis Hamilton made a comeback after a penalty from qualifying, finishing in fifth but remained over 51 seconds behind the lead.

Issues with Two-Pitstop Rule

No Points for Mercedes

In an effort to enhance the racing spectacle and avoid previous years’ predictable results, a unique rule was introduced for this year’s Monaco GP, requiring drivers to complete two pit stops. While this added complexity, it also amplified some of the less favorable aspects of racing in Monaco.

Teams like Racing Bulls, Williams, and Mercedes utilized tactics to manipulate the field, with drivers backing up others to gain ‘free’ pit stops. Frustration boiled over for George Russell, who, while attempting to pass Alex Albon, cut the chicane leading to a drive-through penalty.

After the race, Albon remarked, “This isn’t how either Carlos or I want to race.” Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, emphasized the need to reassess the regulations as the current format felt unsatisfactory, underscoring a desire for racing based on performance.

Despite the complications, the strategy benefitted Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar finished sixth with Liam Lawson claiming eighth, while Esteban Ocon from Haas secured a seventh-place finish between them. Williams drivers also managed to score points, placing Albon ninth and Sainz tenth.

Mercedes had a challenging race, with Russell finishing eleventh and Kimi Antonelli in eighteenth, marking a disappointing outing for the team. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged that starting from the back compounded their difficulties and emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the two-stop rule to enhance the overall racing experience.

Championship Standings

With his second win of the season, Norris closes the gap, now trailing Piastri by just three points in the championship standings. Verstappen maintains third place, lagging 22 points behind Norris.

Looking ahead, the next race on the F1 calendar is the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled for May 30 – June 1.

2025 Monaco GP Results