The Dutch star Max Verstappen of Red Bull led the free practice session at the Monte Carlo street circuit, topping the times in the sixth edition of the F1 World Cup race known as the Monaco Grand Prix. He finished ahead of Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Carlos Sainz, with Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin close behind, marking a strong start for the weekend.
Verstappen, 25, is chasing a third consecutive title as Sergio Perez, his teammate, sits 14 points back with 119 points. Perez appeared set to challenge in qualifying, aiming to repeat last year’s victory at the sport’s most iconic street race—a contest that many experts see as potentially decisive given the tight layout of the circuit known for its limited overtaking opportunities.
Following last weekend’s suspension of racing in Imola due to severe floods, Formula 1 returns to a more typical rhythm, with Imola remembered as a difficult European stop and a reminder of how quickly the season can pivot in the calendar. The overall atmosphere around the principality remained high as teams prepared for a crucial phase of the season.
Verstappen’s pace in the second practice session was notable as he clocked the fastest lap on soft tires, a lap of 1 minute 12.462 seconds that edged out Leclerc by 0.065 seconds. The track length is 3.337 kilometers, and the day’s fastest laps demonstrated Verstappen’s knack for extracting speed on the narrow, unforgiving Monaco surface.
In the same session, Sainz ran into trouble when he lost control in the pool area, triggering a red flag and a nearly five-minute stoppage as seven other cars slowed or stopped. The incident left Sainz and his team to regroup, with the Spaniard still holding strong championship momentum after solid early-season results.
Despite the setback, Sainz had shown promise, as he had finished ahead of his Ferrari teammate in multiple sessions across the season and entered the weekend seeking his first podium at Monaco after finishing near the front in recent years. Alonso, celebrating two years in this era with Aston Martin, impressed with a long run of competitive laps and a timely pace, showing the Spaniard’s enduring prowess on the city circuit.
Carlos Sainz posted the best morning time of 1 minute 13.372 seconds, leading a field where Perez trailed closely and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes sat several tenths off the pace. The day highlighted the tight spread among the top contenders, with Mid- and Soft-compound tires shaping strategic options for qualifying and the race itself.
Leclerc showed competitive form as he prepared to chase his third consecutive pole position on the streets of Monte Carlo, a track that has brought him success in past attempts. He finished the day a little behind the leaders but within striking distance, underscoring Monaco as a venue where every detail matters.
The practice session was briefly interrupted by an accident involving Alex Albon and a minor Haas contact at the chicane near Santa Devota. Albon escaped without major injuries, though the incident caused a temporary halt while repairs were made and the track was cleared.
Nico Hulkenberg, another prominent name on the grid, also encountered trouble at the chicanes, hitting a barrier and prompting a short red flag while the team assessed the car’s condition. The afternoon session then resumed with teams focusing on tire strategy and setup nuances for the narrow Monaco street circuit.
The session concluded with Alonso posting a 1 minute 12.786 second time on soft tires, signaling his intent to push for a strong result as the weekend progressed. The Spaniard’s two-decade-long career remains marked by competitive podium finishes and a continued appetite for victory as he chases what would be a remarkable 33rd career win.
At 41 years old, Alonso’s performance in this season has been a standout narrative, with four podiums from the first five races establishing Aston Martin as a legitimate force in the field. The sequence of results suggests Monaco could be another chapter in Alonso’s long, storied career, with fans watching closely for a potential pole or a significant race result.
Sainz, though hindered by the day’s incident and a minor injury to his right side, remains in the hunt for a strong Monaco result. Leclerc, aiming for pole and a standout performance on his home circuit, joined Alonso and the rest of the front-runners in a day that underscored the fierce competition heading into Saturdays’ sessions and Sundays’ 78-lap race.
As the weekend moves forward, the focus will shift to the three-session qualification and the afternoon’s final preparations for race day. The Monaco Grand Prix, known for its dramatic twists and limited passing zones, remains a test of precision, setup, and nerve for every driver on the grid.
Where can I see the Monaco GP classification?
Fans without a grandstand seat can still experience the excitement of Formula 1 through television coverage. In the Spanish-speaking market, the organizers typically partner with major broadcasters to share the event with a broad audience. Availability for open access may vary by region.
Those without traditional broadcast options can follow the race live through authorized streaming services that offer real-time coverage and commentary throughout the weekend.
Monaco GP program
-Saturday 27.
Free Practice 3 12.30.
Qualifying 16.00.