Formula 1 continues its European triple-header run with the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, widely regarded as the most iconic event on the F1 calendar.
Max Verstappen`s recent victory at Imola has tightened the championship standings, placing him just 22 points behind the current championship leader, Oscar Piastri.
Lando Norris has also gained ground in the title race and now trails his McLaren teammate by 13 points. Notably, Piastri finished second to Charles Leclerc in last year`s Monaco race.
Charles Leclerc secured his first home victory in the Principality 12 months ago. However, Ferrari will likely need an exceptional performance this weekend to challenge the front runners, despite Lewis Hamilton`s strong showing just off the podium in Imola.
Mercedes had a challenging time at the Italian circuit, with George Russell recording his worst result of the season in seventh place and young driver Kimi Antonelli retiring from the race.
A significant procedural change for the Monaco event this Sunday is the introduction of a mandatory two-stop strategy for all cars. This is an effort to increase unpredictability in a race that has traditionally been quite processional.
This rule could significantly alter the race dynamics, potentially making the pit stop phases much more exciting and introducing a greater element of chance into the outcome.
Monaco Grand Prix Circuit
Monaco stands as one of just four events on the current F1 schedule that were part of the original 1950 championship calendar. It has been a continuous fixture for the past 70 years, with the sole exception being its cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With a layout measuring just over two miles, it is the shortest circuit on the F1 calendar, making overtaking notoriously difficult. Famous corners and sections such as Sainte Devote, Casino Square, the Grand Hotel Hairpin, the Tunnel, Tabac Corner, the Swimming Pool complex, and La Rascasse are iconic features of this demanding and tight street circuit.
Qualifying is therefore absolutely crucial at Monaco and is often a highlight of the season in itself, as drivers push their cars to the absolute limit, often brushing the barriers in their relentless pursuit of lap time.
Monaco Grand Prix Weather Forecast
A cool weekend is anticipated for the Monaco Grand Prix, with temperatures expected to remain around 18°C to 20°C across all three days of track action.
There is a 50 per cent chance of rain forecast for Saturday`s all-important qualifying session. However, Sunday`s main event, the race, is currently predicted to be dry and sunny.
Monaco Grand Prix 2025 Schedule: Dates & UK Timings
Thursday, May 22
12:05 PM: F3 Practice
1:55 PM: F2 Practice
3:00 PM: F1 Drivers` Press Conference
Friday, May 23
10:00 AM: F3 Qualifying
12:00 PM: F1 Practice One
2:05 PM: F2 Qualifying
3:00 PM: F1 Team Bosses` Press Conference
3:45 PM: F1 Practice Two
5:15 PM: The F1 Show
Saturday, May 24
9:40 AM: F3 Sprint
11:15 AM: F1 Practice Three
1:10 PM: F2 Sprint
2:10 PM: Monaco GP Qualifying build-up
3:00 PM: MONACO GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
5:00 PM: Post-Qualifying Analysis
Sunday, May 25
6:55 AM: F3 Feature Race
8:35 AM: F2 Feature Race
12:30 PM: Race Build-up
2:00 PM: THE MONACO GRAND PRIX RACE
4:00 PM: Post-Race Reaction
5:00 PM: Post-Race Analysis