The Monaco Grand Prix is always more than just another race—it’s a spectacle, a tradition, and for many, the ultimate test of Formula 1 skill. On Thursday’s media day ahead of the 2025 edition of the famed street race, drivers offered insight into their mindsets, expectations, and challenges heading into what remains the most iconic event on the calendar. While the glamour of Monte Carlo dazzled in the background, the comments were rooted in reality: uncertainty, strategy shifts, and the fine margins that define Monaco.
Colapinto Eyes a Breakthrough Weekend
Fresh from his Formula 1 debut with Alpine, Franco Colapinto sounded remarkably composed as he faced the press. The Argentine rookie, who will contest only his second race for the team this weekend, brushed off any nerves, saying:
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m not really scared.”
Having already sampled tight street circuits like Baku and Singapore in his racing career, Colapinto was well aware of the challenge ahead but relished the opportunity:
“Monaco is a great race track. I think the most special of the year… Our car is probably a bit stronger here.”
For Alpine, who’ve endured a rocky start to 2025, Colapinto’s confidence might be the injection of fresh optimism they need.
Alonso’s Relentless Drive
Fernando Alonso reminded everyone that his motivation remains undimmed, despite a challenging season for Aston Martin. His mindset is unwavering:
“The team is putting everything in every weekend… I go to every weekend like I was in the fight for the World Championship.”
That attitude reflects a true racer’s spirit. Even if he’s no longer a title contender, Alonso’s commitment to maximizing every lap—even if it’s for P12 instead of P1—is the mark of a competitor unwilling to coast.
“When I think that I deserve to be P12, I don’t like to be P14… I hate losing those.”
Lawson on the Two-Stop Gamble
The big regulation talking point ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix is the new mandatory two-stop strategy, introduced to inject more unpredictability into what has often become a processional race. Liam Lawson spoke openly about the intrigue it adds:
“It’s allowing for the opportunity of something to happen… Honestly, none of us know what it’s going to do.”
The uncertainty of how the tyres will behave and how strategy will unfold on a track infamous for its lack of overtaking opportunities makes this a fascinating test not just of pace, but of racecraft and team acumen.
Sainz Confident, but Cautious
Carlos Sainz enters Monaco feeling increasingly comfortable with the Ferrari SF-25, which has shown glimpses of potential despite an overall inconsistent campaign.
“Honestly I am very confident with the car lately, and we have done a lot of progress with the set-up.”
Still, Sainz is under no illusion that Monaco guarantees anything. The new two-stop rule throws a spanner into the usual strategic playbook:
“We don’t know how this track will be. The [two-stop] will throw some curve balls into the strategy.”
Sainz will be hoping that Ferrari’s improvements translate into strong pace, especially during Saturday’s all-important qualifying.
Bearman Wants More Than the Numbers Show
For rookie Oliver Bearman, Monaco represents another chance to showcase his talent in the midst of a frustrating run with Racing Bulls. He pointed out that the poor result in Imola didn’t tell the full story:
“Honestly, the performance was quite good in the car… it’s a bit deceiving the result of last week.”
A technical issue and an extra pit stop cost him dearly there, but Bearman sees Monaco as an opportunity to bounce back—especially if the strategy chaos levels the playing field.
Verstappen Focused on the Long Game
Max Verstappen knows a Monaco win would be a massive statement as he hunts down championship leader Oscar Piastri, but the Dutchman was pragmatic on Thursday:
“If you want to win the Championship, you have to be consistent.”
He stressed that Red Bull needs to improve its race-day performance and tyre management to make life easier over the course of a season. With Piastri and McLaren on a hot streak, Verstappen will want to claw back ground—starting in Monte Carlo.
Leclerc Playing It Cool at Home
Charles Leclerc’s home race carries massive emotional weight, particularly after finally breaking his Monaco curse in 2024. This year, though, he’s managing expectations.
“The only change this year compared to others is we have a very specific weakness – low-speed corners. So it will be a surprise if we are better than we expect.”
Ferrari’s current form has been up and down, and Leclerc knows that while confidence on street tracks is in his DNA, the car may not be ideally suited to the demands of this year’s Monaco layout.
A Weekend Poised on a Knife Edge
With Monaco’s high-stakes qualifying, strategic unpredictability introduced by the new two-stop rule, and a field full of confident yet cautious contenders, this Grand Prix is wide open. From Leclerc defending his crown to rookies like Colapinto and Bearman chasing breakout results, and title protagonists Verstappen and Piastri lurking, the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix is set up for a dramatic chapter in this year’s F1 story.
All that’s left now is for the drivers to back up their words with action on the streets of Monte Carlo.
