MONACO & BARCELONA GP: HIGHLIGHTS
Big wins and achievements, setbacks, and crucial penalties
The 2025 Formula 1 season continues through the streets of Monaco and Barcelona’s sweeping curves. Despite a few weeks having passed, I believe what we witnessed in Monte Carlo—the two-stop rule, the momentum—will never be forgotten.
Monaco GP: From pole to glory, the redemption arc
Lando Norris took pole and a new track record after a flawless qualifying, converting it to a win on Sunday. The McLaren driver was followed closely by Charles Leclerc, who took the second step on the podium and gave the Tifosi the hope they have been waiting for since the beginning of the season. Oscar Piastri completed the podium after visibly struggling during the weekend. Thankfully, the Australian could turn it around, securing a P3 and keeping the championship lead, albeit for a small margin of 3 points.
Barcelona GP: Expect the unexpected?
If Monaco was dominated by Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri got his chance in Barcelona. The McLarens were topping the sheets the whole weekend, and after a tight qualifying, it was Piastri who took pole. Just like his teammate, Oscar Piastri converted his fourth pole this season into his eighth consecutive podium in Barcelona. Lando Norris took P2 easily, but P3 was a different story.
It seemed like Max Verstappen would be the one to claim the last step of the podium, but a late safety car and a wrong choice of tyres (but honestly, what option did he have?) Verstappen saw Leclerc snatch it from him. Who also capitalized on this mistake was Russell, who took his chance and overtook Verstappen.
However, that was not an easy task.
While racing wheel to wheel, Verstappen got in contact with Russell during what was deemed a reckless move. Such action cost him a 10-second penalty and 3 points on his super license. He did not just drop from P5 to P10, but he is also 1 point away from a race ban.
Later on, Max Verstappen himself spoke about the incident and took full responsibility for his actions on Russell, admitting “it shouldn’t have happened”.
I was always told that Monaco and Barcelona are considered “boring” and “uneventful” races; one depending heavily on qualifying and the other being purely tactical. But, just as this season, I found myself quite entertained and almost jumping out of my couch.
Could these two races have finally broken the stigma?
Let me know what you thought — did Monaco and Barcelona surprise you this year?