“It’s the Monaco Grand Prix, I never miss the Grand Prix” is a sentence we have heard all over social media the past days. But what is sure to say is that THIS Monaco Grand Prix was not something you wanted to miss. Not only was it an emotionally packed race, having all of us on the edge of our seats, but it was also Charles Leclerc’s first win at his home race and his first win since 2022.
The race started off horribly with a red flag in the first lap after a collision between Magnussen and Perez, also taking out Hulkenberg. Perez’s car was completely destroyed and everyone was relieved to see him alright and well. Another driver who retired was Ocon, who damaged his car after harshly attacking his own teammate. He will receive a 5 place grid penalty in Canada in two weeks.
After 40 minutes of waiting the race resumed, lucky for Carlos Sainz who punctured his tyres in the first lap and was allowed to repair it without any trouble.
The restart was rather unspectacular with no position changes in the top.
Through the rest of the race we witnessed a constant strategy battle between McLaren and Ferrari. Russell kept all of the four top drivers from coming into the box at first and after the window opened further it was Sainz, who slowed down so that Norris could not have another pit stop. Both Ferrari’s dictated the race in a rather slow manner. In the end all of the four drivers ended up not stopping throughout the race and drove over the finish line the way they started.
In the back of the grid we watched Verstappen and Russell fight for fifth place from lap 62 until the end. Russell managed to defend well and keep his position safe from the world champion.
In the last 8 laps Leclerc secured a bigger gap to Piastri with around 9 second difference in the final lap. Sainz pressured the Australian from behind but he handled both the pressure and his old tyres well and secured himself the second spot on the podium which he can be very proud of.
The celebration of Leclerc’s win was a very special one for him, the people of his home country and fans all around the world. But the day was also a successful one for Piastri, in p2, Leclerc’s teammate Sainz, in p3, and also Norris who came in p4.
Russell followed in 5, Verstappen in 6, Hamilton in 7, who also secured the fastest lap, Tsunoda in 8, Albon in 9 and Gasly in 10.
A very beautiful and emotional race finished today. We’re all excited for the next few hours of celebrating and of course the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks!
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