Leclerc Leads the Pack in Monaco GP First Practice Despite Early Collision
Charles Leclerc, the home favorite, put on an impressive display during the opening practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix, recovering from an early collision with Lance Stroll to secure the fastest time. Leclerc’s performance was a highlight in a session filled with drama and competitive spirit among the 20 drivers.
Under the shining sun and with the picturesque yachts lining the harbor, Formula 1 teams took to the iconic streets of Monaco for the hour-long session. The drivers quickly jumped into action, familiarizing themselves with the track conditions using a mix of Pirelli’s soft, medium, and hard tires.
The session took a turn just minutes in when Leclerc locked up at Mirabeau Haute, narrowly avoiding damage. However, he wasn’t as fortunate shortly after, as he collided with Stroll’s Aston Martin while braking for the hairpin. Leclerc expressed his frustration over the radio, indicating Stroll didn’t hear the blue flags warning him of Leclerc’s approach. The incident resulted in a red flag to clear debris from the track.
As the session resumed, Stroll was sidelined with rear suspension damage, allowing the remaining drivers to push harder. Lando Norris briefly claimed the top spot with a time of 1:12.290, but Leclerc soon returned to the forefront. His final lap of 1:11.964 placed him ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Norris, showcasing his speed and resilience.
The top positions at the end of the session were filled by:
1. Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:11.964
2. Verstappen (Red Bull) – +0.163s
3. Norris (McLaren) – +0.326s
4. Albon (Williams) – +0.350s
5. Piastri (McLaren) – +0.378s
Despite his quick times, Leclerc’s radio messages hinted at ongoing challenges with car balance, suggesting Ferrari still has work to do before qualifying.
As the session wound down, several drivers faced their own challenges, with Hamilton narrowly avoiding traffic and Piastri returning to the pits after grazing the wall.
With the first practice in the books, teams will regroup in the paddock to analyze data and prepare for Free Practice 2, set to start later in the day.
