P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Our reporter on the ground ranks who starred and who underwhelmed in F1 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying.
In F1 qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix, there were two red flags, crashes, and last-lap heroics that made for an exciting and unpredictable session around the streets of Monte Carlo. The biggest winner was Lando Norris, who snatched pole position away from Charles Leclerc with a sublime final lap. This was a statement result for Norris and McLaren, giving them their first pole in Monaco since 2007 and putting Norris in a strong position to challenge for the championship.
On the other hand, Mercedes had a dismal afternoon, with their cars qualifying only 14th and 15th after George Russell’s breakdown and Kimi Antonelli’s crash. Ferrari emerged as unexpected winners, with Leclerc securing P2 and Hamilton fourth, surpassing their pre-race expectations. However, Hamilton received a three-place grid penalty post-qualifying.
Alpine had a forgettable qualifying, with both Gasly and Colapinto failing to make an impact. Isack Hadjar impressed by securing sixth on the grid, marking his best qualifying lap in F1. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda continued to struggle in qualifying sessions.
