MONTE CARLO – In a masterful display of precision and strategy, Lando Norris secured his first career victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, marking his second win of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The British McLaren driver, who started from pole position, maintained his lead throughout the race, fending off challenges from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third respectively.
Norris survived a massive lock-up at the first corner before working through Virtual Safety Car phases, spells of traffic and the mandated two-stop rule to score his second win of the season and slash Piastri’s championship lead.
The race was notably influenced by a new regulation mandating two pit stops for all drivers, a change aimed at enhancing the traditionally processional nature of the Monaco circuit. Despite this, overtaking remained scarce, and the race’s excitement hinged on strategic pit stops and tire management.
An early incident occurred when Gabriel Bortoleto crashed at Portier after contact with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, prompting a Virtual Safety Car. This allowed several drivers to make early pit stops, adding a layer of complexity to race strategies.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen, who had briefly taken the lead due to a delayed second pit stop, ultimately finished fourth after Norris reclaimed the top spot on lap 29. Lewis Hamilton, despite a grid penalty, managed to secure fifth place, showcasing his resilience and experience.
The race also saw Fernando Alonso retire due to an electrical failure while running in fifth, and George Russell received a penalty for an off-track overtake.
Norris’s victory narrows the gap in the championship standings, intensifying the competition as the season progresses. His performance in Monaco not only demonstrates his growing prowess but also positions McLaren as a formidable contender in the 2025 season.
