Lando Norris Wins Maiden Monaco Grand Prix As Charles Leclerc Trailed To Make Podium

 

McLaren's Lando Norris racing to the tunnel in Monte-Carlo after winning his first Monaco Grand Prix 

Lando Norris is the Monaco Grand Prix champion for the first time in his career, outpacing home favourite Charles Leclerc as the McLaren duo made podium finishes in first and third. 

Red Bull's Max Verstappen had a disappointing finish in fourth following a pit stop flaw in the closing stages. He started the grid in P4 and was called to the pit on the last Lap, 78, in line with the new FIA rule. Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Leclerc sped by to finish in third and second behind Norris. 

Monaco was a disappointing race for Mercedes. The duo failed to make Q3 at the qualifying session, making the team's worst qualifying session in 13 years. In the final, they finished outside of the top 10 with George Russell in 11th and Kimi Antonelli in 18th. 

The race was Norris' second victory this season after his first in Melbourne, Australia. He did it in Monte-Carlo with the fastest lap record on the final tour. 

Safety Car and Pitting Strategy

Unlike the previous season, the weather was favourably dry in Monte-Carlo. A virtual safety car was first called when Gabriel Bartoleto crashed into the walls on Lap 1. Later, a double yellow flag for a virtual safety car was called when Alpine's Pierre Gasly crashed his front left wheel while coming out of the tunnel. 

Red Bull's pitting strategy did not pay off with the new rule. Norris pitted for the second time midway through the race while Verstappen led on. However, as the new FIA rule required each driver to race with three different tyre sets, mandating two pit stops, Verstappen was called in. 

Championship and Drivers 

Verstappen continues to have a setback in defending the F1 title he has retained for four successive seasons. Piastri remains the leading driver  (161) of the F1 Championship title race, and his teammate, Norris, trails him in second (158). 

Red Bull remains a strong competitor, but besides McLaren leading the pack, Ferrari is another team that has given the impression of a formidable team. Though in fourth place, Ferrari trails Red Bull by just a point.