Monaco GP Practice 2 Results: Leclerc On Top, Hamilton In Pursuit

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Post on May 24, 2025

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Monaco GP Practice 2 Results: Leclerc on Top, Hamilton in Pursuit

The streets of Monte Carlo witnessed a thrilling second practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc setting the pace ahead of a determined Lewis Hamilton in a closely fought battle. The session, punctuated by several incidents and red flags, provided plenty of drama and set the stage for a potentially explosive race weekend.

Leclerc Dominates, but Hamilton Closes the Gap

Charles Leclerc, driving on home turf, showcased exceptional skill and car control, securing the fastest lap time of 1:12.296. His performance underlined Ferrari's strong pace around the notoriously challenging Monaco circuit, leaving the tifosi hopeful for a home victory. However, Lewis Hamilton, in his Mercedes, wasn't far behind, finishing only 0.2 seconds adrift of Leclerc's leading time. This close competition hints at a fierce battle for pole position and ultimately, the race win.

Red Flags and Incidents Mar Practice 2

The session wasn't without its share of drama. Several incidents, including a spin by Lando Norris and a brief red flag period caused by a barrier impact, disrupted the smooth flow of practice. These interruptions impacted drivers' ability to complete longer runs and fully assess their race setups. The tight confines of the Monaco street circuit always present a high risk of incidents, and today was no exception.

Verstappen Struggles, Perez Shows Promise

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the current World Championship leader, had a comparatively less impressive session. He finished significantly down the order, raising questions about Red Bull's race pace and strategy for the weekend. However, his teammate Sergio Perez showed a stronger performance, indicating that Red Bull might still be a force to be reckoned with come race day. This internal team battle adds another layer of intrigue to the already exciting weekend.

Other Key Takeaways from Practice 2:

• McLaren's mixed performance: While Lando Norris experienced a spin, teammate Oscar Piastri showed promising pace, suggesting McLaren might be in the fight for points.
• Aston Martin's consistency: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll demonstrated consistent performance, positioning Aston Martin as a midfield contender.
• Alpine's quiet performance: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly remained relatively low-key, suggesting they might be playing a longer game strategically.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying and the Race

Practice 2 has delivered a compelling preview of what promises to be a gripping Monaco Grand Prix. The incredibly close battle between Leclerc and Hamilton, combined with the unexpected challenges for Verstappen, sets the stage for a thrilling qualifying session and an unpredictable race. The tight track and high stakes mean that even the smallest mistake can have massive consequences. All eyes will be on Monte Carlo as the drivers fight for every inch of track and every hundredth of a second. The Monaco Grand Prix is renowned for its unpredictability, and this year's event already shows signs of following suit. Stay tuned for more updates as the weekend progresses.