Monaco FP1 2025: Leclerc Leads Despite Crash, Stroll Penalized, and Rookie Reality Check
Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix delivered a perfect storm of drama, pace, and paddock politics. The session saw a hometown hero bounce back from an early incident to top the timesheets, a midfield stunner shake up expectations, and the sport’s newest drivers struggle to find their footing on Formula 1’s most unforgiving circuit.
Final FP1 Top 10
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
Leclerc’s performance wasn’t just redemption, it was reinforcement. After becoming the first Monégasque to win the Monaco Grand Prix last year, he’s now fighting to make dominance at home a habit. Despite crashing into Stroll midway through FP1, his early flyer held up to keep him top.
Hairpin Collision: Leclerc and Stroll Collide
In the most talked-about moment of the session, Lance Stroll rejoined the racing line at the Fairmont Hairpin, unaware Charles Leclerc was already coming through. With nowhere to go, Leclerc collided into the rear of the Aston Martin, damaging his front wing and suspension.
The stewards reviewed the incident and handed Stroll a one-place grid penalty for “unsafe reentry,” acknowledging the tight nature of the track but holding him accountable.
This wasn’t reckless aggression, just a classic Monaco misjudgment. A one-place penalty on this circuit, though seemingly minor, can be devastating in qualifying.
Turbo Tactics and PU Swaps
Multiple drivers received new engine components ahead of FP1, with no penalties issued:
- Max Verstappen: Turbocharger, MGU-H, Exhaust
- Franco Colapinto: MGU-K, Exhaust
- Leclerc, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Hadjar: Exhaust systems
The move raised questions about long-term reliability planning. Verstappen’s new turbo, at a circuit where power is least relevant, suggests Red Bull isn’t waiting for problems to find them.
Upgrades Everywhere, Except Mercedes
Nine out of ten teams arrived with aerodynamic or suspension upgrades, a clear sign of just how critical Monaco-specific setup is. Mercedes, however, brought nothing new to the party.
| Team | New Parts |
|---|---|
| McLaren | Rear wing, beam wing, front suspension, front corner |
| Ferrari | Front suspension, front corner, beam wing, rear wing |
| Red Bull | Rear wing, front suspension, front corner |
| Aston Martin | Front wing, rear wing, rear corner |
| Alpine | Front suspension, rear wing, beam wing |
| Haas | Rear wing, beam wing, front suspension |
| Racing Bulls | Front corner, beam wing, rear wing |
| Williams | Rear wing, beam wing, front suspension, front corner |
| Sauber | Rear wing, front corner |
| Mercedes | No upgrades |
Whether Mercedes is biding time for Canada or simply confident in their base package, they’re playing a different game, for better or worse.
Ferrari’s Contrasts: From Top to Troubled
While Leclerc finished P1, Hamilton’s more subdued P9 showed Ferrari’s setup is still evolving. Lewis reported understeer, particularly through the swimming pool chicane. Both Ferraris received exhaust upgrades, and with Leclerc’s car now rebuilt, FP2 will be a crucial barometer.
Midfield Movers: Williams, Alpine, and McLaren Hold Firm
Albon’s P4 was no anomaly, the Williams was composed and agile through the low-speed zones. Pierre Gasly’s P8 highlighted Alpine’s incremental progress. Meanwhile, both McLarens landed inside the top five, looking well-balanced and confident under braking.
Rookie Report: Baptism by Barrier
Monaco was always going to be the hardest test for this year’s newcomers, and FP1 confirmed it. Here’s where the rookies landed:
- Antonelli (P11): Clean session, quietly impressive
- Hadjar (P13): Solid showing, comfortable on edge
- Bearman (P15): Reliable, just off the pace
- Lawson (P17): Struggled with rotation, kept it tidy
- Bortoleto (P18): On the limit, visibly cautious
- Colapinto (P19): Looked unsettled and unsure, especially under braking
Colapinto, in particular, seemed overwhelmed, missing braking points and appearing hesitant through Mirabeau and Tabac. It was a performance lacking in confidence, a stark contrast to his aggressive debut earlier this season.
As Monaco often proves, confidence is as critical as pace, and on Friday morning, some rookies simply didn’t have it.
Final Thoughts
Monaco may be short on overtakes but it never fails to deliver drama. FP1 gave us a perfect storm of tension, from Leclerc’s crash-turned-triumph to Stroll’s penalty, unexpected engine swaps, and a grid of cars bristling with new parts.
As teams prepare for FP2 and dial in their setups, qualifying looms large, it’s the session that defines the weekend here, and there’s every reason to believe we’re heading for a chaotic shootout on Saturday.