Kimi Antonelli Wins Monaco GP As Hamilton Makes Podium And Cadillac Scores First Point

 

Kimi Antonelli won his fifth Grand Prix of the season and his first in Monaco, in a dominant race that saw the home favourite, Charles Leclerc, crash out in the latter stages, and Sergio Perez claimed his first F1 point for Cadillac. 

It was a dramatic start in Monte Carlo, with Max Verstappen unable to get off the grid due to a power failure, and the F1 defending champion, Lando Norris, was asked to retire due to engine failure. Meanwhile, Antonelli sped on through the laps, holding off Lewis Hamilton from overtaking him. He finished quickest in 2:23:31.243s. 

Hamilton delivered an impressive performance from start to finish. He had a setback over a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Lance Stroll's incident on Lap 60 reset the race after a virtual safety car was deployed. Antonelli led on still, and Hamilton trailed. The Ferrari driver later finished in P2. His second P2 podium appearance this season, after his first in Canada. 

Home favourite Charles Leclerc was in provisional P3  when he crashed into the barrier. Resetting the race for the second time cost George Russell his position, and he was unable to finish on the podium. Nico Hulkenberg was given a 10-second penalty for a collision after the second restart.

George Russell was another driver who had a setback. The Mercedes driver was given a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. The penalty cost him his position, losing it to Hadjar, who clinched his second F1 podium appearance in P3. Interestingly, having to restart the race multiple times favoured Cadillac, with Perez finishing in the top 10. However, his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, retired from the race. 

Top 10 of the Monaco Grand Prix

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)...2:23:31.243s.

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

3. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 

5. Liam Lawson (Racing Bull)

6. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bull)

7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 

8. Alex Albon (Williams)

9. Esteban Ocon (Haas)

10. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)