Background and Relevance of McLaren
McLaren, currently leading both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships after seven races in the 2025 F1 season, is poised to attempt winning the prestigious Gran Premio de Mónaco for the first time since 2008. The team, led by drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, has been dominant this season with five wins out of seven races. However, their quest for victory in Monaco is particularly significant as they aim to end a 17-year winless streak at this iconic circuit.
McLaren’s Monaco Challenge
McLaren’s last victory in Mónaco came in 2008, courtesy of Lewis Hamilton. Despite their current standing, the team acknowledges the unique challenges posed by the Monte Carlo circuit. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, emphasized their focus on continuous improvement and the upcoming triple-header.
Key Drivers and Their Performance
Australian Oscar Piastri and British driver Lando Norris have been McLaren’s star performers this season, amassing 146 and 133 points respectively in the Drivers’ standings. Both have consistently finished within the top 10 in every race, with Piastri securing victories in China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami. Norris won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Red Bull: McLaren’s Main Threat
Red Bull Racing, led by Max Verstappen, poses the most significant challenge to McLaren’s Monaco aspirations. Verstappen has won two of the last three Monaco GPs (2021 and 2023) and his teammate, Sergio Pérez, clinched victory in 2022. Although Ferrari broke Red Bull’s Monaco winning streak in 2024, the Italian team has struggled this season, with only one podium finish (Leclerc’s third place in Saudi Arabia) and no race wins.
Monaco GP Rule Change
The FIA has introduced a rule change allowing two pit stops during the main race on Sunday, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging Monaco GP. Piastri acknowledged the significance of qualifying, stating that navigating the new two-stop rule and limited tire allocation will be a major hurdle for all teams.
Top 5 Standings Before Monaco
Drivers’ Standings
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Australia) – 146 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren/United Kingdom) – 133 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Netherlands) – 124 points
- George Russell (Mercedes/United Kingdom) – 99 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari/Monaco) – 61 points
Constructors’ Standings
- McLaren – 279 points
- Mercedes – 147 points
- Red Bull – 131 points
- Ferrari – 114 points
- Williams – 51 points
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who are the leading teams and drivers heading into the 2025 Monaco GP?
- Q: Why is the 2025 Monaco GP particularly significant for McLaren?
- Q: How has Red Bull Racing performed in Monaco recently?
- Q: What changes has the FIA implemented for the 2025 Monaco GP?
A: McLaren, with drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, leads both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing poses the biggest threat to McLaren’s Monaco ambitions.
A: McLaren aims to end a 17-year winless streak at the Monaco GP, having last won the race in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton.
A: Red Bull has won two of the last three Monaco GPs (2021 and 2023) with Max Verstappen, while Sergio Pérez secured victory in 2022. Ferrari broke their winning streak in Monaco in 2024.
A: The FIA has introduced a rule allowing two pit stops during the main race on Sunday, adding complexity to an already challenging Monaco GP.
