F1 2025 Monaco Grand Prix Pre-race predictions: Lando Norris vs Charles Leclerc- who wins?

Highlights

• Lando Norris will start from Pole position.
• Lewis Hamilton received a grid penalty for impeding.
• Charles Leclerc won the Monaco GP last year.

The 2025 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying was a thriller between Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. The home hero did all he could, but nothing worked against Lando Norris, who broke the lap record at the Monte Carlo circuit. Monaco is the slowest circuit in the Formula 1 calendar, and overtaking here is near impossible. All drivers have only one opportunity, and that is the opening corner. To make the race more interesting this year, FIA wanted the teams to have two pit stops, and anything can happen. Before that, let us check out the pre-race predictions for this year's Monaco Grand Prix.

Also Read: F1 2025 Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying results: Lando Norris clinches pole with new Monaco Lap record.

Here are our pre-race predictions for the 2025 Formula1 Monaco Grand Prix

1. Lando Norris to win in Monte Carlo

The British racing driver faced criticism for his lack of performance during the qualifying 3 sessions. Lando absorbed all that negative criticism and converted it into positivity by clinching the pole position along with a new lap record. He is now driven by pure determination, and it will be very difficult to catch him once he crosses the first corner. There is a possibility of mishaps, but we believe Lando Norris will win the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix for the first time this year.

2. Max Verstappen on the Podium

The Red Bull driver doesn't have the best car, but he’s having the best racing skills. Max Verstappen could dive into the first corner on the opening lap and take the lead from the other drivers. We don't see him winning today, even with a two-pit stop strategy. But we are expecting the Dutchman to sit on the podium alongside his rival Lando Norris. 

3. Charles Leclerc will deliver for Ferrari

We don't see Leclerc winning the race today, but he will hold his nerves and win the podium place in his home city. He will start in P2, and we don't see that changing between the races unless he makes a mistake or a strategic error by Ferrari. The Maranello team will count on the Monegasque driver for today's race.

Also Read: Top 5 winners of the F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Who is the king of Monte Carlo?

4. Isack Hadjar makes a statement

French driver Isack Hadjar will start in P5 ahead of his racing idol Lewis Hamilton, as the Ferrari driver was slammed with a grid penalty for impeding. The young rookie has the opportunity to score big and make a statement to his Red Bull team for next year's driver seat. Even if he stays in P5, he will come out with a massive chunk of points that will be useful for VCARB in the championship race. We believe Isack will get the work done in Monte Carlo.

5. No Retirements

This is the biggest prediction out of all, and today we are expecting no crashes or retirements. Usually, the Monaco GP is a narrow and dangerous race. Even a minor lapse of concentration will put the driver into the barriers and send them out of the race. Unlike last year, we expect no more crashes or incidents between drivers, and we are expecting a clean race with all the drivers crossing the chequered flag without any issue. 

Also Read: Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix previous winners list: The First driver to win after 93 years