Charles Leclerc stormed through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo to set the fastest time in the second free practice session of the Monaco Grand Prix, clocking 1min11s355. The Monegasque driver, representing Ferrari, showcased dominance on his home track during a session marked by red flags and incidents. Oscar Piastri of McLaren trailed by just 0.038 seconds, while Lewis Hamilton, also with Ferrari, rounded out the top three. Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie for Sauber, impressed by securing 14th place in his debut Formula 1 season.
The session, held on Friday afternoon, was eventful, with interruptions caused by crashes and driver errors. The Monaco circuit, renowned for its technical demands and minimal margins, tested the skills of the entire grid. Leclerc’s performance reignited hopes among Ferrari fans, while Bortoleto showed promise in his adaptation to the premier category.
- Key highlights of FP2:
- Charles Leclerc led with 1min11s355 on soft tires.
- Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton finished in the top three, within 0.1 seconds of the leader.
- Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber’s Brazilian driver, posted 1min12s234, finishing 14th.
- Two red flags disrupted the session due to accidents.
The Monaco Grand Prix, the eighth round of the 2025 championship, promises to be a pivotal moment in the season, with fierce competition among McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull. The free practice session revealed the close fight between teams but also underscored the challenges posed by the Monegasque layout.
Leclerc’s performance sparks optimism
Charles Leclerc took to the track with the mission of shining at home. The Monegasque, who won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024, displayed consistency by topping both FP1 and FP2. His lap of 1min11s355 on soft tires was the fastest of the day, outpacing rivals like Piastri and Hamilton. Ferrari, navigating a season of ups and downs, appears to have found an ideal setup for the circuit, where precision is paramount.
Leclerc’s day was not without challenges. In FP1, he crashed but managed to return to the pits without significant damage. In FP2, he avoided incidents and focused on extracting the maximum from the car. The local crowd, filling the Principality’s grandstands, roared with approval as Leclerc improved his time in the session’s final minutes.
- Factors boosting Leclerc:
- Deep knowledge of the track as a Monaco native.
- Ferrari’s aerodynamic setup, optimized for slow corners.
- Strategic use of soft tires, providing extra grip.
Leclerc’s lead in FP2 positions him as a favorite for qualifying, scheduled for Saturday, May 24. However, the close gaps to Piastri and Hamilton suggest the pole position is far from guaranteed.
Incidents define chaotic session
The second free practice in Monaco was halted by two red flags, a testament to the circuit’s unforgiving nature. The first incident involved Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls, who crashed at the tunnel exit, damaging his left rear wheel. Despite the impact, the Frenchman returned to the pits, allowing the session to resume after a brief pause.
Shortly after, Oscar Piastri, pushing for a fast lap, missed his braking point at Sainte Dévout and hit the barrier. The McLaren driver damaged his front wing but managed to limp back to the pits for repairs. The second red flag, though brief, disrupted the rhythm of several drivers, including Max Verstappen, who struggled throughout the day.
With seven minutes remaining, Verstappen went straight at the Mirabeau corner, triggering a brief yellow flag. The Dutchman, who finished FP2 in 10th, was 0.713 seconds off Leclerc’s pace and failed to find his rhythm. The session highlighted the critical need to avoid mistakes on a track where errors are costly.
Bortoleto shines on debut
Gabriel Bortoleto, Brazil’s rising star, turned heads by finishing FP2 in 14th place. The Sauber driver, in his first Formula 1 season, posted a lap of 1min12s234, less than a second behind Leclerc. Bortoleto’s performance is remarkable given Sauber’s position outside the top teams in 2025.
The Brazilian, who earned his Formula 1 seat after winning the 2024 Formula 2 title, showed quick adaptation to the Monegasque circuit. His fastest lap, set on soft tires, outpaced veterans like Nico Hulkenberg, his teammate, and Pierre Gasly of Alpine. Bortoleto improved his times throughout the session, briefly climbing to 13th before being overtaken by Carlos Sainz.
- Bortoleto’s strengths in FP2:
- Adaptation to Monaco’s technical layout, a challenge for rookies.
- Consistent laps without major incidents or errors.
- Competitiveness against more experienced drivers.
Bortoleto’s performance rekindles Brazilian interest in Formula 1, absent a regular driver since Felipe Massa. His progress will be closely watched during qualifying and the race.
McLaren maintains strong pace
McLaren confirmed its strength in Monaco with Oscar Piastri in second and Lando Norris in fourth. Piastri, a three-time race winner in 2025, was just 0.038 seconds behind Leclerc, showcasing the potential of McLaren’s MCL39. Despite his crash at Sainte Dévout, the Australian returned to the track and maintained a competitive pace.
Lando Norris, meanwhile, posted 1min11s677, 0.322 seconds off the lead. The Briton, leading the drivers’ championship with five wins this season, was consistent but couldn’t match Piastri’s single-lap pace. McLaren, topping the constructors’ standings with 279 points, aims for a strong Monaco result to extend its lead over Mercedes, second with 147 points.
The British team benefits from the MCL39’s balance, well-suited to low-speed circuits like Monaco. Piastri’s proximity to Leclerc signals McLaren’s potential to challenge for pole and the win on Sunday.
Ferrari shows strength with Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, in his debut season with Ferrari, finished FP2 in third with 1min11s460. The seven-time world champion, who joined the Italian team after 12 years with Mercedes, quickly adapted to both the car and the Monaco track. His fastest lap, just 0.105 seconds behind Leclerc, was a positive sign for Ferrari, which aims to close the gap in the championship.
Hamilton, a three-time Monaco winner, leveraged his experience to maximize the SF-25’s potential. He outpaced Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Max Verstappen of Red Bull in a session where consistency was as vital as speed. Ferrari, after an inconsistent start to 2025, appears to have a setup tailored to Monte Carlo’s demands.
Hamilton’s performance reflects his motivation at his new team. Following a fourth-place finish in Emilia-Romagna, the Briton is chasing his first podium in a main race this season. His FP2 result suggests he will be a key player in the fight for the top spots.
Surprises and struggles in the midfield
FP2 brought surprises, notably Liam Lawson’s fifth-place finish for Racing Bulls with 1min11s823. The New Zealander, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo in 2025, capitalized on track conditions to shine, outperforming drivers like Verstappen and teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Isack Hadjar, also with Racing Bulls, briefly held sixth before abandoning the session after his second crash of the day. The French rookie showed pace but needs to improve consistency to avoid errors on such a demanding track.
Among the disappointments, Max Verstappen faced unexpected challenges. The Dutchman, fresh off a win in Emilia-Romagna, finished FP2 in 10th, 0.713 seconds behind Leclerc. Verstappen’s off at Mirabeau and lack of pace raise questions about Red Bull’s competitiveness in Monaco.
- Standout performers:
- Liam Lawson, securing an impressive fifth place.
- Alex Albon, eighth, continuing Williams’ strong form.
- Gabriel Bortoleto, 14th, holding his own as a rookie.
- Underperformers:
- Max Verstappen, 10th, struggling for pace.
- Yuki Tsunoda, 11th, overshadowed by Lawson.
- Pierre Gasly, 17th, with Alpine off the pace.
The tightly contested midfield in 2025 promises intense battles in qualifying and the race, particularly among Williams, Racing Bulls, and Sauber.
Monaco’s unique challenges
The 3.337 km Monte Carlo circuit is one of Formula 1’s most demanding tracks. Its tight corners, such as Loews and Rascasse, require pinpoint precision. With virtually no runoff areas, mistakes often lead to crashes, as seen with Hadjar and Piastri. The track evolves over the weekend, with grip improving as tire rubber builds up on the asphalt.
Qualifying, set for Saturday at 3 p.m. local time, will be critical, as overtaking is notoriously difficult in Monaco. Historically, 32 of the 70 Monaco races have been won by the pole-sitter, underlining the importance of a strong Saturday lap. Teams also face strategic challenges, with tire choices and traffic management playing decisive roles.
Pirelli, the tire supplier, selected the softest compounds for 2025, enhancing grip in slow corners. However, tire wear is minimal in Monaco, potentially leading to one-stop strategies on race day.
Qualifying expectations
Saturday’s qualifying session promises to be a highlight of the weekend. Charles Leclerc, with three poles in 2025, is the favorite to secure pole, but he faces stiff competition from Oscar Piastri, also with three poles this season. Lewis Hamilton, with his experience, and Lando Norris, the championship leader, are also in contention.
Gabriel Bortoleto, while unlikely to reach Q3, could surprise by advancing to Q2 if he maintains his FP2 consistency. Sauber, 1.7% off the leaders’ pace, relies on the Brazilian’s skill to maximize the C45’s performance. Qualifying will also test Max Verstappen, who must rediscover his pace after a lackluster FP2.
Weather could add unpredictability. Forecasts for Saturday afternoon indicate a moderate chance of rain, potentially shaking up strategies and favoring drivers skilled in wet conditions, such as Hamilton and Alonso.
Monaco’s storied history
The Monaco Grand Prix, with 70 editions since 1950, is Formula 1’s crown jewel. The race has seen 37 different winners, with Ayrton Senna holding the record at six victories. Charles Leclerc, the 2024 winner, aims to join legends like Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher by winning at home.
Ferrari leads the team standings with 10 Monaco wins, followed by McLaren with 15. Leclerc and Hamilton’s dominant FP2 performances suggest Ferrari is well-positioned for another triumph. However, McLaren, with five wins in 2025, poses a serious threat, especially with Piastri and Norris in top form.
The circuit, hosting races 21 years before Formula 1’s inception, retains its allure and challenge. The 2025 edition, with a grid blending young talent and seasoned veterans, promises to add another unforgettable chapter to Monaco’s legacy.
Weekend schedule
The Monaco Grand Prix weekend continues with the third free practice session (FP3) on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. local time, followed by qualifying at 3 p.m. The race, the weekend’s main event, is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, at 3 p.m. local time. In Brazil, coverage will be available on Band, with streaming on F1TV and ESPN+.
- Monaco Grand Prix schedule:
- Saturday, May 24: FP3 at 12:30 p.m.; Qualifying at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25: Race at 3 p.m.
- Broadcast: Band, F1TV, ESPN+.
Anticipation is high for an action-packed weekend, with qualifying likely to shape much of the race outcome due to Monaco’s overtaking challenges. Leclerc, Bortoleto, and other drivers will be under scrutiny as fans await a thrilling race.