Monte Carlo’s narrow streets are set for the most critical session of the Formula 1 weekend. The Monaco GP 2025 qualifying, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at 11:00 AM (Brasilia time), promises high stakes as Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber’s Brazilian driver, aims for his best grid position this season. The 20-year-old, making his debut as a full-time driver on this iconic circuit, expressed confidence after strong showings in free practice. Known for its tight corners and the pivotal role of pole position, the track will host a fierce battle among teams.
Bortoleto, with prior experience in Monaco from F3 and F2, faces the challenge of adapting Sauber’s car to the circuit’s unique demands. In Friday’s free practice, he finished FP1 just 1.506s off leader Charles Leclerc, a promising result for a team typically at the back of the grid. The qualifying session, broadcast live across multiple platforms, is make-or-break, as overtaking on Sunday is notoriously difficult. For Brazilian fans, watching in real-time offers a chance to cheer for their representative in action.
- Qualifying Schedule: Saturday, May 24, 11:00 AM (Brasilia time).
- Live Broadcast: Band, Bandsports, and F1TV in Brazil.
- Track Conditions: 50% chance of rain, per weather forecasts.
- Session Importance: Grid position heavily influences race outcome in Monaco.
Excitement surrounds Bortoleto, who noted Sauber’s progress since the Miami GP. With qualifying being the weekend’s defining moment, fans are eager to see if the Brazilian can reach Q2.
Free Practice Performance
Friday’s free practice sessions, held on May 23, set the stage for qualifying. In FP1, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets with a 1:11.278, while Bortoleto placed 18th, 1.506s behind. Sauber, with minor upgrades to the C45, showed consistency, particularly in low-speed corners. FP2 saw drama when Max Verstappen criticized Bortoleto for impeding him at the Swimming Pool section. Despite the incident, the Sauber driver completed his program without further issues.
The session faced interruptions, including a red flag triggered by Oscar Piastri’s contact with the wall at Sainte Devote. Bortoleto used track time to fine-tune the car’s setup, focusing on traction and stability. The team prioritized soft tires, the go-to choice for qualifying. The Brazilian stressed the need for clean laps, as traffic can disrupt performance in Monaco.
- FP1: Leclerc led; Bortoleto 18th, 1.506s off the pace.
- FP2: Red flags marked the session; Bortoleto focused on setup tweaks.
- Tires: Soft compounds will be key for fast qualifying laps.
- Strategy: Avoid traffic and maximize Q1 performance.
Sauber, though far from the front-runners, sees Monaco as a chance to capitalize on driver skill. The circuit, where pilot ability rivals car performance, could play to Bortoleto’s strengths, given his strong Monaco record.
Where to Watch Live in Brazil
The Monaco GP 2025 qualifying will be broadcast live in Brazil across several platforms, ensuring fans catch every moment. Band, on free-to-air TV, airs the session with Sérgio Maurício’s narration and Reginaldo Leme’s commentary. Bandsports, on cable, provides in-depth coverage with technical insights. F1TV Pro, the official Formula 1 streaming service, caters to enthusiasts with onboard cameras, real-time data, and English commentary.
Broadcast schedules and streaming options are confirmed for easy access. F1TV Pro, available via subscription, offers 4K Ultra HD streaming and features like the Driver Tracker, showing all drivers’ positions. For viewers outside Brazil, channels like Sky Sports F1 (UK) and ESPN (USA) cover the session, though a VPN may be needed for access.
- Band: Free-to-air TV, starting at 11:00 AM (Brasilia time).
- Bandsports: Cable TV, coverage from 10:30 AM.
- F1TV Pro: Streaming with onboard cameras and live data; subscriptions from $10.99/month.
- Other Options: Sky Go (with Sky Sports) and ESPN+ (select markets).
Fans can also follow live updates via platforms like Motorsport.com, which offers real-time commentary, and the official Formula 1 app, with telemetry and timing data. Brazil’s coverage kicks off early, with pre-session shows starting at 10:00 AM on Bandsports.
Why Qualifying Matters in Monaco
The Monaco GP is often decided on Saturday. With only one DRS zone and limited overtaking opportunities, grid position is paramount. In 2024, Charles Leclerc won from pole, underscoring the session’s importance. For Bortoleto, reaching Q2 would be a milestone, as Sauber struggles to match midfield teams on standard tracks.
Sauber’s strategy hinges on a strong Q1, where traffic poses a constant threat. Bortoleto emphasized the need for a clean lap, free from interference. The team tailored the car’s setup for low-speed corners like Loews and the Nouvelle Chicane. A 50% chance of rain adds uncertainty, potentially favoring drivers like Bortoleto, who handled mixed conditions in Monaco during his F2 days.
The Brazilian prepared extensively in Sauber’s Hinwil simulator, focusing on optimizing lines and adapting to the track’s evolving grip. The team plans an aggressive tire strategy, aiming for a fast lap early in Q1 to avoid traffic or weather disruptions.
Bortoleto’s Monaco Experience
Gabriel Bortoleto brings valuable experience to Monaco, boosting expectations for qualifying. In 2023, racing in Formula 3, he started fifth and scored points. In 2024, in Formula 2, he secured a podium and an eighth-place grid slot, showcasing his skill on Monte Carlo’s tight streets. This background gives him an edge, especially on a track where confidence is critical.
Formula 1 cars, however, present unique challenges. Wider and heavier than junior series cars, they demand greater precision. Bortoleto acknowledged the leap but believes his track knowledge can offset Sauber’s car limitations. “I’ve raced here before, but F1 is a different beast. I’m learning every lap,” he said.
- F3 (2023): Started P5, finished in the points.
- F2 (2024): Podium and P8 on the grid.
- Adaptation: Track familiarity boosts confidence for qualifying.
- Challenge: F1 cars require pinpoint accuracy in tight corners.
Sauber worked on Bortoleto’s confidence, holding detailed debriefs after free practice. The goal is to ensure he feels ready to push the car to its limits in qualifying, where a perfect lap could yield a strong result.
Sauber’s Q1 Strategy
Q1 is Sauber’s immediate focus. With 20 cars on a 3.337-km track, traffic is a major concern. Bortoleto plans to hit the track early, capitalizing on a cleaner surface to set a competitive time. The team allocated two sets of soft tires for Q1, allowing a second attempt if the first lap is compromised.
Weather is another factor. With rain possible, Sauber may opt for an early fast lap to beat deteriorating conditions. Bortoleto’s experience in wet conditions, like in the 2025 Australian GP, gives the team confidence in his adaptability. The car’s setup prioritizes traction in slow corners, slightly sacrificing straight-line speed to gain time in key sectors like Loews and Rascasse.
Clear communication is critical after the FP2 incident with Verstappen. Sauber refined its radio protocols to keep Bortoleto informed of approaching cars, minimizing the risk of impeding others.
Grid Expectations
While Sauber isn’t aiming for the front, reaching Q2 would be a significant achievement. Bortoleto advanced to Q2 in Miami and Imola, and the team hopes to replicate that in Monaco. The circuit’s emphasis on driver skill could help Bortoleto outpace direct rivals like Haas and Alpine.
Charles Leclerc, dominant in free practice, is the pole favorite, especially after his 2024 Monaco win. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, along with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, are also in contention. For Bortoleto, a top-15 grid slot would position him for a points-scoring opportunity on Sunday.
- Sauber’s Goal: Reach Q2 and start ahead of Haas and Alpine.
- Favorites: Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen lead the pack.
- Driver Factor: Bortoleto’s skill could outweigh car limitations.
- Rain Risk: Wet conditions could shuffle the grid.
The session will also test Bortoleto’s synergy with Sauber. Post-Verstappen incident, the team improved radio alerts to ensure smooth coordination, vital for a mistake-free qualifying.
International Broadcast
Beyond Brazil, the Monaco GP qualifying is covered globally. In the UK, Sky Sports F1 airs live, with Sky Go access for subscribers. In the USA, ESPN broadcasts the session, available on Sling TV, Hulu+Live TV, and YouTube TV. F1TV Pro, offered in multiple countries, delivers an immersive experience with multi-camera views and live data.
In Australia, Foxtel and Kayo Sports stream the session, while ABC Sport runs a live blog. In France, Canal+ focuses on local star Charles Leclerc. Travelers can use VPNs like ExpressVPN to access home-country broadcasts, per platform policies.
F1TV Pro stands out for its streaming quality and features, including onboard cameras for all 20 drivers. Post-qualifying shows, like Ted’s Qualifying Notebook, offer in-depth analysis. Subscription costs vary, but the monthly plan is budget-friendly for dedicated fans.
Brazilian Fan Connection
Gabriel Bortoleto’s presence has reignited Brazilian F1 fandom, absent a regular driver since Felipe Massa. Monaco’s historic qualifying session is a highlight for supporters. Platforms like X show strong engagement, with posts celebrating Bortoleto’s journey and preparation.
Band, Brazil’s main F1 broadcaster, plans special coverage, including interviews and Bortoleto-focused segments. Bandsports dedicates airtime to Sauber’s performance, with exclusive practice footage. F1TV Pro offers Portuguese narration in select markets, broadening access.
Fans hope Bortoleto delivers a standout lap, echoing Ayrton Senna’s six Monaco wins. Despite Sauber’s struggles, his talent and determination resonate with Brazil’s passionate motorsport community.
Final Qualifying Prep
On Saturday morning, Sauber fine-tuned Bortoleto’s car after FP3, held at 7:30 AM (Brasilia time). The session, aired on Bandsports and F1TV, tested the setup in conditions mirroring qualifying. Bortoleto ran soft-tire laps, pushing the car’s limits without risking incidents.
The team analyzed free practice data, pinpointing sectors where Bortoleto can gain time. The Swimming Pool section, site of the Verstappen incident, was a focus, with Sauber advising conservative lines on slow laps. Radio communication was strengthened to prevent missteps.
Bortoleto’s confidence is a key asset. He spoke of the thrill of racing in Monaco and the need for total focus. “This track demands everything. A great lap here is priceless,” he said. Sauber is banking on his Monaco experience to overcome the C45’s shortcomings.