P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren and Ferrari built up their Monaco GP weekends very differently. In the end, only a tenth separated them in qualifying. Mark Hughes explains where pole was lost (and won)
Lando Norris secured pole position for McLaren, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari only a tenth behind in the Monaco Grand Prix. Both drivers pushed to their limits in the final Q3 laps, revealing the true competition between them. Leclerc’s spectacular performance showcased his unique talent for extracting maximum speed from the challenging Monaco circuit.
McLaren showed solid performance, with Norris impressing from the start. Leclerc, on the other hand, displayed unmatched commitment and aggressiveness in his pursuit of pole position. The Ferrari’s advantage in acceleration out of the turns proved crucial in the qualifying battle.
Although McLaren had been more competitive overall in the 2025 season, Leclerc’s performance in Monaco highlighted Ferrari’s traditional strength at the circuit. The tight competition between the two teams marked a breakthrough for McLaren at a historically challenging track for them. The strategic and technical decisions made during qualifying played a key role in the final outcome.
