Formula 1 in Monte Carlo: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Monaco GP

Monaco 2025: Formula 1 takes center stage in the heart of the Principality

Formula 1 dives into the heart of its European tour with the eighth round of the season: the Monaco Grand Prix. After Imola and before Barcelona, Monte Carlo hosts one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, surrounded by the glamour and elegance that only the Principality can provide. Here’s everything you need to know about the Monaco race weekend.

McLaren on the offensive: Piastri and Norris take on Verstappen

The fight at the top intensifies between the barriers of the street circuit. After Red Bull’s dominance in Imola, McLaren comes to Monaco ready for battle. The MCL39 has shined on slow, technical tracks, and Monte Carlo could play perfectly to its strengths. Oscar Piastri arrives as the championship leader, despite a bittersweet third place in the last race, while Lando Norris impressed with a gritty drive, overtaking even his teammate.

Tension is in the air: could the balance inside the papaya-colored garage be shifting? Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, winner at Imola, dropped a cryptic comment: “In Monaco, I’ll enjoy the view.” Bluff or brutal honesty?

Ferrari between glorious past and uncertain present

In 2024, Ferrari brought joy to its fans with Leclerc winning and Sainz finishing third. But 2025 could tell a different story: the SF-25 seems to struggle on slow and bumpy circuits like Monaco. The Scuderia’s hopes rest on the talent of Charles Leclerc, the home hero, and the experience of Lewis Hamilton, who has won three times on these streets.

A podium would already be a strong result, but Ferrari needs a minor miracle.

Mercedes seeking redemption

Mercedes is coming off a disappointing weekend in Imola, despite introducing a major update package. Russell only managed seventh, while young Andrea Kimi Antonelli was forced to retire due to technical issues. Monaco is now a critical test to evaluate the true potential of the W15.

Full weekend schedule

Friday, May 23

• FP1: 13:30 – 14:30

• FP2: 17:00 – 18:00

Saturday, May 24

• FP3: 12:30 – 13:30

• Qualifying: 16:00 – 17:00

Sunday, May 25

• Race: 15:00

Live coverage on Sky Sport F1 (Channel 207) and streaming via NOW.

Free-to-air coverage on TV8 (delayed)

• Qualifying: Saturday, May 24 at 19:00

• Race: Sunday, May 25 at 18:30

The circuit: between beauty and technical challenge

The Monte Carlo circuit stretches 3.337 km and is one of the most demanding for driver precision. According to Brembo, braking isn’t especially aggressive in terms of speed, but the high number of braking zones (15 out of 19 corners) puts heavy strain on the system. The toughest spot? The Harbor Chicane, where cars slow from 290 km/h to 96 km/h in just over two seconds.

Weather forecast

• Friday, May 23: Partly cloudy, 14–19°C, 0% chance of rain

• Saturday, May 24: Light rain, 13–18°C, 40% chance

• Sunday, May 25: Partly cloudy, 14–18°C, 15% chance

With cars brushing the guardrails at over 250 km/h, Monte Carlo promises a spectacular show. Get ready for a weekend that could shake up the entire championship.