The F1 predictions were correct: McLaren took pole with Norris on the atypical Monaco circuit, where the papaya-colored cars were expected to dominate the competition. In the end, pole position went to Lando Norris, who had to perform a feat to wrest first place from the hands of the local hero in the Principality of Monaco. The lap set by Charles Leclerc had seemed unbeatable.
However, thanks to a different strategy from the rest of the field, the British driver put everyone in line. After many bitter moments, it seems that Norris is beginning a quiet comeback following his strong performance in Imola. This is a driver who doesn’t thrive under the spotlight—it destabilizes him to the point of underperforming compared to his and the MCL39’s potential.
The four wins by Piastri and the Australian’s lead in the championship standings have shifted attention and expectations from pundits and fans alike to the other side of the McLaren garage. Despite these emotional factors, it’s clear that the Woking-based team has once again produced a fantastic car.
This time it was up to Charles Leclerc to try to prove there’s still hope to challenge Oscar and Lando. The overall qualifying result is flattering. First and third place put the Monegasque driver in a strategically disadvantageous position, trapped in the papaya sandwich.
Trend reversal
Plenty of praise for Lando, despite the car’s potential. On the other hand, Piastri didn’t shine in any session. The championship leader is aware that at Monaco—more than at other circuits—the “Papaya Rules” could sentence him to a procession behind his teammate. In theory, with equal treatment, he should have priority in terms of pit calls for the mandatory two-stop strategy.
Then there’s the unpredictable—at Monaco, that usually means one thing: being in the right place at the right time if the race gets neutralized by a Virtual or Safety Car. Leclerc is the wildcard on a grid where the top four spots are filled with title contenders. Returning to qualifying, the boldness of McLaren’s strategists must be highlighted.
The McLaren drivers started their second Q3 runs with more than five minutes still on the clock. The gamble was to attempt two flying laps, separated by a cooldown lap. This indicates that the fuel load on the two MCL39s was significantly higher than the rest. The idea was to secure a banker lap with a heavier car but fresh tires.
Then it all came down to a second push lap with slightly worn tires but a lighter car. It worked for Lando, not for Oscar. This also marked a clear shift in McLaren’s weekend approach. Whereas in previous races the MCL39 had often shown its full potential already in practice, in Monaco the car came alive starting from Q2.
Managing internal balance
It’s often said after qualifying that the pole sitter just needs to finish the job on Sunday, having taken a major step toward victory. The FIA, with its creative rules, has tried to inject some life into what is often a dull Sunday race on the Côte d’Azur by mandating two pit stops. It will be fascinating to watch how the drivers are managed over the 78 laps.
Leclerc is squeezed between Norris and Piastri, and neither of the two McLaren drivers intends to be the guinea pig for his teammate in the name of the greater good. It’s hard to impose orders that serve the team’s interests rather than the individual’s. A situation often admired between teammates, especially during the early Mercedes domination, thanks to the fierce rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg on street circuits.
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