Lando Norris Wins The Monaco Grand Prix Which Mandated A 2-Stop Strategy
Lando Norris won the Monaco Grand Prix despite pressure from Charles Leclerc. Fuelling excitement for the race start, the regulations around the principality mandated a 2-stop strategy for the race. However, the race neutralised after the initial incident-filled VSC and safety car periods.
Race Start
The McLaren MCL39, in the hands of Lando Norris, was able to defend P1 even after locking up in Turn 1. The Briton defended against a fast-starting Charles Leclerc, who secured P2 after an impressive qualifying effort. Lando was able to remain in the net lead, losing position only during the mandatory pit stop procedure.
Norris was able to bounce back from the recent purple patch his teammate, Oscar Piastri, has been having. This victory has effectively reduced the championship lead to just 3 points. The Australian driver secured the final podium step, preventing Max Verstappen, who adopted a different strategy.
The Dutch driver finished P4 after extending his last stop for a longer duration. Lewis Hamilton overcut Fernando Alonso and Isack Hadjar to finish P5. This happened after a VSC period from Kimi Antonelli and Gabriele Bortoleto’s shenanigans.
Problems With The 2 Pit Stop Rule
The mandatory two-stop rule was brought to the race, which was expected to fuel excitement for the race around the narrow streets. However, teams like Mercedes, Williams and Racing Bulls tried to slow down cars to allow their teammates to get a pitstop without losing track positions. Racing Bulls were amongst the biggest beneficiaries, where Isack Hadjar finished P6 and Liam Lawson finished P8.
Esteban Ocon finished in P7 after a mega qualifying in the Haas. It was a race to forget for Mercedes, which started the race in P14 and P15. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli failed to score points and delayed the pit stops until the end of the race. George Russell was also given a drive-through penalty for corner-cutting the Nouvelle Chicane and getting an advantage against Alex Albon.
The Williams solidified its position in the constructors after Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz scored P9 and P10. It is important to note that Mercedes still holds 2nd place in the constructors, closely following Redbull and Ferrari in 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
