Charles Leclerc capped off Friday in Monaco with another commanding performance in Free Practice 2, but the session was anything but routine. FP2 saw rising rookies, red flags, sarcastic clapping, controversial penalties, and a decisive intervention from the FIA to head off a qualifying disaster. It was quintessential Monaco: fast, frantic, and borderline farcical.
Final FP2 Classification:
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Leclerc in Total Control
Leclerc once again looked utterly at ease on home asphalt, putting down a lap that combined precision, bravery, and confidence. The Ferrari looks strong through the slow-speed corners, particularly in Sector 2, where the car’s front-end responsiveness gave Leclerc the edge. After ending the “Monaco curse” with a win in 2024, he now looks ready to back it up with pole in 2025.
Even Max Verstappen had to admit it: Ferrari looks “very, very fast” here, a rare moment of respect from the reigning champion.
Upgrade Rundown: Who Brought Monaco Muscle?
Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, and Racing Bulls all rolled out updates focused on low-speed balance, beam wing efficiency, and suspension tweaks. But in Monaco, it’s not just about numbers, it’s about execution. And so far, Ferrari is executing flawlessly.
Verstappen’s Volatile Session: Rage, Reverse, and Respect
Verstappen’s session featured just about everything but a clean lap. After overshooting a braking zone, he struggled to engage reverse and snapped on the radio:
“You think I’m stupid?!”
Later, blocked in the final sector by Alpines and others on slow laps, Verstappen offered a slow, sarcastic golf clap from the cockpit, equal parts frustration and showmanship.
And yet, through the storm, he still acknowledged the threat ahead: Ferrari isn’t just fast, they’re untouchable right now.
FIA Moves to Prevent Quali Games: 1:24 Minimum Lap Time Mandated
Anticipating Monaco’s traditional qualifying traffic games, the race director issued a directive: drivers must complete laps between the safety car lines in no less than 1:24. It’s a move designed to stop stacking and backing up before hot laps, a growing problem in recent years.
It’s a smart call, but enforcement will be tricky. All it takes is one misjudged lap time in Q1, and someone’s Monaco dream ends in a steward’s office.
Alonso Held Up, Again
Fernando Alonso’s frustration boiled over after being blocked by both Ferraris in Sector 3. His radio response was instant and sharp:
“These guys don’t look in the mirrors at all!”
It’s a scene we’ve seen before. Monaco qualifying is shaping up to be a minefield, and the veterans know it.
Crashes, Penalties & Rookie Emotions
Piastri Crashes, Still Goes P2
A brush with the inside wall at Sainte Devote ended Oscar Piastri’s session early, but not before he put in a blistering lap for P2. It’s a reminder that in Monaco, you can kiss the wall and still fly.
Hadjar’s Pace Overshadowed by Painful Error
Hadjar clipped the inside barrier entering the Nouvelle Chicane, causing the first red flag. His radio was brutally self-critical. But the truth is, the pace was there. He was P6 when he crashed.
“Man… I am so stupid. I think I’m just dumb.”
Bearman’s Red Flag Penalty
Oliver Bearman overtook Sainz during the red flag period and immediately backed out, but the stewards still handed him a 10-place grid drop and two penalty points. It’s harsh, but consistent with the rules. Unfortunately, in Monaco, even innocent mistakes have consequences.
Rookie Watch: Highs, Lows, and One Off the Pace
- Liam Lawson (P5) – Outstanding lap, calm and composed in chaos.
- Isack Hadjar (P6) – Fast but fell victim to Monaco’s narrow limits.
- Kimi Antonelli (P9) – Quietly professional, no mistakes, excellent positioning.
- Gabriel Bortoleto (P14) – Flew under the radar but quietly put together a solid session.
- Oliver Bearman (P15) – Showed strong pace, undone by red flag misjudgment.
- Franco Colapinto (P20, +2.060s) – Struggled heavily. Still looks uncomfortable and well off the pace. Needs to find confidence quickly if he’s to avoid Q1 elimination.
Final Word: Monaco Brings the Drama Early
Free Practice 2 delivered the full Monaco experience. Ferrari’s in control, Red Bull is on the defensive, and the rookies are splitting between stars and casualties. Verstappen’s frustration is rising, Alonso is already firing off radio messages, and the FIA is preemptively stepping in to stop qualifying madness before it starts.
This isn’t just a warm-up session. This is Monaco, and tomorrow, we could see one of the most chaotic qualifying sessions in years.
Prepare for perfection. Expect carnage. This is how Monaco begins.