Monaco Grand Prix: 5 Must-Watch Moments

The Monaco Grand Prix is set for another thrilling edition on May 25, 2025, as teams prepare for one of Formula 1’s toughest races. Racing through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, drivers must stay focused with 19 sharp turns over 78 laps, covering a distance of 260.3 kilometers.

Last year’s event was won by Charles Leclerc in just over two hours and twenty-three minutes, showing how challenging this historic circuit remains for even the top drivers.

Red Bull enters Monaco after Max Verstappen’s unexpected victory at Imola. Fans and experts are watching to see whether the team’s recent improvements will be enough to challenge McLaren around the principality’s slow corners and over its famous bumps.

Monaco’s layout is different from faster tracks like Suzuka or Jeddah. Handling and kerb-riding matter here, and Red Bull has struggled with these elements in past years. For a deeper dive into Monaco’s unique track characteristics, check out this technical analysis from the FIA.

Rain could play a role during qualifying, which would only add to the uncertainty about which teams will come out on top. Qualifying will be more important than ever since overtaking is rare on these streets.

Lando Norris of McLaren knows he needs to step up in single-lap pace, having missed out on better grid spots earlier in the season due to mistakes and missed opportunities. He finished second at Imola thanks to strong race pace and good fortune with the safety car.

Still, Monaco usually rewards those who start near the front, and Norris will be aiming to return to his traditional qualifying form. Yuki Tsunoda will be hoping for a strong showing after a difficult start with Red Bull’s main team.

His qualifying performances have lagged behind teammate Verstappen, but last year Tsunoda achieved both a top-ten start and a points finish in Monaco. Consistency on Saturday could bring a turnaround for the Japanese driver as he works to secure his future with the squad.

Ferrari wants to build on promising results from Imola, yet their qualifying speed has not matched rivals in recent weekends. The new tyre regulations in play for this weekend could add another wrinkle. Learn more about the latest F1 tyre regulations on the official Formula 1 website.

Team leader Frédéric Vasseur faces growing pressure to fix Saturday performances. Lewis Hamilton, set to join Ferrari next year, recently warned that the team’s season could be painful if these issues are not addressed soon.

This year, Formula 1 has added a two-stop rule to the Monaco race for the first time, requiring each driver to make two pit stops and run at least three types of tyres. The change aims to shake up strategy and encourage more on-track action, as last year’s race saw limited overtaking and few position changes.

Teams now face new decisions that could impact race outcomes, especially if weather or safety cars intervene. The Monaco Grand Prix always attracts attention for its glamour, with celebrities and fans filling luxury yachts, hotel terraces, and grandstands. For historical context on the race’s prestige, visit the Monaco Grand Prix official history page.

The race remains a favorite because of its unique layout and difficult conditions. As drivers prepare, the focus will stay on how well teams adapt to the new rules, who nails qualifying, and which drivers handle the demanding circuit best.

All eyes will be on Monaco as the next chapter of the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds. For many, the race weekend has become a racing lottery due to the unpredictability brought by the new regulations and conditions. For more insights into Monaco’s racing challenges, explore this MIT Motorsports analysis.