Monaco Grand Prix: Norris Shines Amid Team Tactics and Traffic Jams

Monaco Grand Prix: Driver Performances Ranked

The recent Monaco Grand Prix showcased a mandatory two-stop strategy and extreme team tactics that shaped an unusual race weekend. In this analysis, we’ll delve into how each driver performed amidst the traffic jams, providing a comprehensive ranking of all 20 drivers. For further insights, you can engage with Edd Straw’s detailed debrief in The Race Members' Club on Patreon.

Ranking Methodology

The drivers are ranked from best to worst based on their performance during the Grand Prix weekend. This assessment encompasses a variety of factors, including pace, racecraft, consistency, and any significant mistakes made. A key aspect of the ranking is how closely each driver approached the maximum performance potential of their car. It's essential to recognize that these rankings reflect the entirety of the weekend, with qualifying serving as ‘lap 0’ that lays the groundwork for the race. The rankings are not indicative of a driver’s overall abilities, but rather their performance in a specific event, causing fluctuations from one weekend to another.

Top Performers

Started: 1st | Finished: 1st

Lando Norris returned to his top form, delivering a stunning pole position lap that was 0.175 seconds faster than his McLaren teammate and championship rival, Oscar Piastri. Throughout the race, Norris managed the pace effectively, with only a minor lock-up at the first corner. He showed commendable resilience in the closing stages under pressure from Charles Leclerc, ultimately securing a vital victory.

Verdict: A superbly executed weekend from Norris.

Started: 2nd | Finished: 2nd

After dominating all three free practice sessions, Charles Leclerc faced disappointment in qualifying, missing pole position by a narrow margin. Despite encountering traffic, he displayed skill in attempting to challenge Norris during the race but ultimately lacked a realistic opportunity to overtake.

Verdict: Required virtuosity to split the McLarens.

Started: 5th | Finished: 6th

Isack Hadjar exhibited sporadic speed, although he faced challenges after clipping the wall twice on Friday. He excelled during qualifying, securing the top position among the mid-pack teams. In the race, strategy played a crucial role, allowing him to hold on to sixth despite conceding a position to Lewis Hamilton.

Verdict: Couldn’t have qualified or finished higher.

Started: 8th | Finished: 7th

Esteban Ocon struggled in practice but made a remarkable turnaround in Q2, where he qualified impressively. During the race, he maintained his position and capitalized on Fernando Alonso's retirement to gain a position.

Verdict: Outstanding Q2/Q3 led to a strong result.

Started: 6th | Finished: DNF

Fernando Alonso showcased a strong qualifying performance, closely trailing Hadjar. However, a late-race ERS issue cost him valuable performance, preventing him from scoring points.

Verdict: Strong performance but let down by machinery.

Midfield Performances

Started: 4th | Finished: 4th

Max Verstappen struggled with low-speed corners throughout the weekend and lacked the pace to contend for higher positions. He executed a solid race strategy but was unable to improve his starting position.

Verdict: Left a little time on the table on Saturday.

Started: 3rd | Finished: 3rd

Oscar Piastri had a challenging weekend, never quite matching Norris's pace. He acknowledged a messy weekend, which contributed to his inability to secure a better lap time in Q3.

Verdict: Just a half-step off his teammate.

Started: 9th | Finished: 8th

Liam Lawson demonstrated strength in practice but ended up second to Hadjar in qualifying. He effectively played the team game, helping Hadjar secure a strong result while maintaining his position.

Verdict: A good weekend, but second-best Racing Bulls driver.

Started: 10th | Finished: 9th

Alexander Albon put in a commendable performance despite Williams' struggles with tire management. He showed potential in Q2 but faltered in Q3, ultimately battling through the race to finish ninth.

Verdict: Quick but tire troubles led to erratic speed.

Started: 14th | Finished: 11th

George Russell faced challenges throughout the weekend, particularly with his Mercedes engine during qualifying. Despite being mired in traffic during the race, he managed to finish 11th with a promising recovery.

Verdict: Promising progress hindered by Q2 failure.

Lower Rankings

Started: 7th | Finished: 5th

Lewis Hamilton struggled to match Leclerc's pace and faced difficulties due to a shunt in FP3. His race was marked by traffic and missed opportunities, although he managed to finish fifth.

Verdict: Solid but not one of his better Monaco weekends.

Started: 10th | Finished: 9th

Carlos Sainz struggled with his Williams during qualifying and managed to capitalize on his teammate's performance during the race, ultimately salvaging a point.

Verdict: A step back after recent progress.

Started: 13th | Finished: 16th

Nico Hulkenberg had a decent qualifying performance but struggled during the race due to being unable to navigate the midfield effectively.

Verdict: A decent job in probably the ninth-best car.

Started: 20th | Finished: 12th

Jack Colapinto faced a grid penalty but managed to show pace during the race, even if he was often stuck in traffic.

Verdict: Quick but undone by a 10-place grid penalty.

Started: 12th | Finished: 17th

Yuki Tsunoda showed glimpses of promise but struggled to capitalize during the race, leading to a disappointing finish.

Verdict: Frustrating pattern of weekends continues.

Started: 19th | Finished: 15th

Lance Stroll's performance was marred by penalties and lackluster pace, although he managed to execute a solid last-lap pass.

Verdict: So-so performance made worse by poor execution.

Started: 16th | Finished: 14th

Gabriel Bortoleto had a challenging debut, making errors that hindered his performance. Despite showing pace, he struggled in the race.

Verdict: Impressive pace overshadowed by mistakes.

Started: 15th | Finished: 18th

Kimi Antonelli faced difficulties managing the C6 Pirellis and ended up crashing during qualifying, which affected his race performance.

Verdict: Qualifying crash ensures lowly ranking.

Started: 17th | Finished: DNF

Pierre Gasly struggled significantly with his Alpine car throughout the weekend, ultimately leading to a race retirement.

Verdict: A challenging weekend with little to show for it.

Started: 18th | Finished: 13th

Yuki Tsunoda's weekend was hampered by penalties and difficulties navigating traffic, leading to a frustrating outing.

Verdict: Lacked the opportunity to showcase his potential.

The Monaco Grand Prix proved to be a test of skill and strategy for all 20 drivers, each navigating their unique challenges throughout the race weekend. These rankings reflect not only their performance but also the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing.