F1 Monaco GP live commentary and updates - Qualifying
Live updates from Formula 1 qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix
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Verstappen was close to Norris in the opening sector, but lost out in sector two - and a little bit more in the final sector. He splits the Ferraris to go up to fourth overall.
Albon's circulating on the mediums, and moves up to sixth. Ocon, Alonso, Lawson, and Hadjar fill the remaining positions.
The McLarens go for their second laps early, with five minutes of the session still remaining. Fresh softs for them, and for Esteban Ocon - who joins them on the circuit.
Order after opening Q3 runs
1. Norris, 2. Piastri, 3. Leclerc, 4. Verstappen, 5. Hamilton, 6. Albon, 7. Ocon, 8. Alonso, 9. Lawson, 10. Hadjar.
Here comes the rest of the field.
It's a 1m10.140s for Piastri, with a stellar middle sector! But Norris finds a smidgen more in the final sector, and posts a 1m10.125s!
What does everyone else have in the tank?
The McLarens will have another go, as the Ferraris begin to filter through on their final runs of the session...
Hamilton is third, with a time 0.257s off Norris. But Leclerc does something about the McLarens, a 1m10.063s!
But with the final roll of the dice, it's Lando Norris with a 1m09.954s! Track record in the bag, and Norris starts at the front of the grid.
Close as you like - 0.109s the gap between Norris and Leclerc.
Piastri is third, with Hamilton a further 0.25s behind the Australian.
Verstappen was left behind after his early pace, 0.715s off Norris' pace, with Hadjar, Alonso, Ocon, Lawson, and Albon completing the top 10.
Williams had looked good all day, but 10th and 11th on the grid won't be what the team expected - looks like sticking to the medium tyre plan wasn't the call after all.
Big opportunities for a lot of teams tomorrow - Racing Bulls, Aston, and Haas have some decent track position, but it'll be interesting to see how the backmarkers make up ground with strategy.
Piastri: It's been a 'messy' weekend
"Intense, as it always is around here. Quite reminiscent of last year, actually, first lap felt good and then second lap, made a mistake at the harbour chicane. It's been a pretty messy weekend, so to come out with a lap I'm happy with and third is pretty good."
Leclerc: More on the table in Monaco
"There's always something more to be done. But at the end of the day, this was the best we could do. The first lap was a bit of a shame, it gives you more confidence for the second run. Just frustrated. We know we don't have the car to go for wins this year."
Norris pleased to atone for recent 2025 "struggles"
"Yeah, it's been a long time coming. I feel good. I don't think I'd realise how good this would feel after a few struggles over the last couple of months. We've worked a lot over the past few months to get to where we are today.
"No risk [with two Q3 runs] from our side, it's what we believed was best before qualifying, and it's proved to be what's best after."
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images
And breathe, after an all-action qualifying session.
Will the race tomorrow be as spectacular? It's Monaco, and you can never predict what'll happen - especially with the tactical element a complete unknown for tomorrow's race.
We'll catch you then for the 78-lap grand prix! Thanks for joining us.
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
By: Haydn Cobb
