The Monaco Grand Prix 2025 was an intriguing race. Hometown favourite Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, missed out on taking a second consecutive home win.
Piastri’s McLaren team-mate, Lando Norris was the one to snatch this win from Leclerc, as he sped through the streets of Monte Carlo. Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, was left with third place in the Monaco GP.
An unusual race weekend for the Australian
The Australian was not in the top two during the practice sessions nor in Qualifying. Speaking to the media after the race, he admitted this was unusual compared to his performances at the other Grand Prix.
“Obviously the win would have been better, but it’s been a bit of a tricky weekend. Practice was messy all the way through, and I felt like I got into qualifying with not a lot of confidence with how the weekend was going. I got close, but not quite close enough.”
Piastri was instructed to put pressure on Leclerc to help his teammate have an easier win, but it proved more challenging than the team had hoped. The last few laps of the race were brutal as Piastri had to push himself to the limits.
“I ran here, way qualified, pretty much ready to get a finish. I’m pretty happy with that overall.”
Despite not winning the race, Piastri was confident that with improvement, he could come back even stronger. He was satisfied with finishing on the podium, even though it was a close call.
“Obviously some things to look out for when we come back next year, but some more points on the board, another trip to the podium in Monaco, so not all bad.”
A strong comeback after kissing the barrier multiple times
During the practice sessions, Piastri had multiple brushes with the barriers. It is therefore even more important to see that he managed to come back after two disastrous days for the Australian. To remain at the top of the drivers’ championship he would have to show more improvement.
“Yeah, exactly. The margins are so fine, and like I said, if this is a bad weekend, then it’s not going too badly at all. So, yeah, some things to work on before we go again next week and try and come back stronger, but well, it’s been a great weekend.
“Went up to Charles [Leclerc] as well, been quick as usual. So, yeah, happy, and see you on the podium.”
Piastri remains on the top of the drivers’ standings with 161 points. His teammate Lando Norris is only 3 points behind.
McLaren remains at the top of the constructors’ championship standings with 279 points, increasing the gap to Mercedes (147).
The next Grand Prix takes place in Barcelona, Spain. It is the last weekend of the European triple-header. Questions remain over whether Piastri can showcase his pace and strategy on a track where he usually performs well.
With just three points separating the Piastri from Norris, his rival could easily retake the championship lead that once belonged to him.
What the 2025 campaign showed us so far is that McLaren has resumed its mantle as a title contender on the F1 grid. The papaya drivers are a threat to Max Verstappen, and the drama on the track never seems to end.
