HOW IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Russell fastest as Perez and Alonso suffer surprise exits
After three busy practice sessions in which local hero Leclerc established himself as favorite for pole, it was time to begin arguably the most important qualifying hour of the season, with clear skies and temperatures warm greeting the peloton.
With track position being vital on race day on the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo, all drivers except the Ferraris quickly made their way to the scoreboard to get a lap time provisional and attempt to ensure safe passage from Q1 to Q2 – with traffic at its worst. in the opening phase.
Once each driver had at least one driver under their belt, Hulkenberg held P1 ahead of his Haas teammate Magnussen in a time of 1’12”416, followed by the McLaren pair Norris and Piastri, the RB of Tsunoda, the Red Verstappen’s Bull, Stroll’s Aston Martin and the pace drive. ferryman Leclerc.
Times quickly dropped as drivers gained confidence and track conditions improved, bringing Piastri to 1’11”881 in the second set of races, with the stewards noting possible embarrassing incidents between Sainz and Albon and Ricciardo and Bottas.
“It’s the worst position… We are out of step with everyone,” lamented Leclerc, occupying a modest 12th place after being one of the last to leave the pit lane, while Piastri continued to lead ahead of Hamilton, Russell, Sainz, Verstappen, Gasly, Alonso, Ocon, Stroll and Hulkenberg, the first leader.
