LIVE: 2025 F1 Monaco GP Free Practice 1 Action

The Formula 1 paddock is back in Monte Carlo for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, bringing a special change this year. Drivers must make two pit stops during the race, a new rule meant to create extra strategy and excitement at an event known for its tight street circuit.

As practice begins, Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ championship with 146 points, while Lando Norris has 133, and Max Verstappen sits with 124. Charles Leclerc returns to his home race after his breakthrough Monaco win last year and hopes to find some more magic, this time alongside Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Teams arrive in Monaco after a busy start to the year, which has seen McLaren on top with 279 points in the team standings. Mercedes follows with 147 points, while Red Bull holds third at 131.

Ferrari, searching for a spark, is on 114, with Williams climbing to 51. Upgrades continue as squads fight for every edge, and many eyes are on Red Bull and McLaren after their recent changes.

With every practice session, the smallest mistake can mean a big setback, especially on the narrow roads of Monte Carlo. Free Practice 1 for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix starts at 12:30 PM local time and offers teams just 60 minutes to begin setting up their cars for the unique demands of this course.

Recent races have proved that track position is key, leaving little room to overtake. That adds even more weight to getting the right balance in practice and qualifying, where one lap can write the weekend’s story.

The new tire rule forces teams to think ahead and may hand an opportunity to those who don’t usually fight at the front. Drivers in the spotlight include George Russell, who has 99 points, hoping to recover from a tough weekend in Imola.

Meanwhile, both Ferrari drivers—Leclerc with 61 points and Hamilton with 53—want to lift the Scuderia after a difficult run. Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, Esteban Ocon, and Lance Stroll round out the top ten in the standings, all chasing strong results on one of F1’s toughest tracks.

Last season’s Monaco race crowned Leclerc in front of his home fans, and he now faces both pressure and hope to repeat that feat. Max Verstappen made headlines with a bold overtake at Imola and is eager to regain momentum.

McLaren continues to field strong performances, while Red Bull recently secured a major new sponsor, boosting morale in the garage. F1 legends like Lewis Hamilton remain in the thick of the action, aiming for a standout early showing with Ferrari.

Experts and insiders are watching team strategies closely, especially as the new pit stop requirement could disrupt the usual Monaco rhythm. The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix weekend is packed with action, starting with practice on 23 May and ending with the race on Sunday, 25 May at 2 PM local time.

Fans across the world are watching to see if Oscar Piastri can keep his lead, if Lando Norris can close the gap, and if Max Verstappen can deliver another classic performance. This year’s event could see twists not usually found on the Principality’s narrow streets.

As Free Practice 1 gets underway, fans and teams are focused on every detail and data point. The extra pit stop rule hangs over every strategy talk, and fresh upgrades could swing the balance. For more on the technical aspects of F1 strategy, the FIA’s official regulations provide detailed insights.

The coming days will show whether anyone can upset the order, or if the championship leaders will continue their march at this iconic event. More can be read about the hopes surrounding Leclerc and Ferrari at Monaco. For historical context on Monaco’s significance in F1, check out Wikipedia’s Monaco Grand Prix page.

To understand how street circuits like Monaco challenge drivers differently, Motorsport Magazine’s analysis offers a deep dive into the unique demands of this track.