Qualifying: Hamilton on pole, Leclerc out in Q1

  • Published on 25 May 2019 16:01
  • 4
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Lewis Hamilton has taken pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix, laying down a new track record of a 1:10.166.

The five-time world champion beat his teammate Valtteri Bottas on his hot final lap, as the Finn held provisional pole after the first run of timed laps.

Having been very close all weekend, Hamilton's time was just under a tenth faster than Bottas' who will line up alongside his teammate once more for the start of Sunday's race.

Ferrari suffers disaster session

Ferrari's day at Monaco saw Charles Leclerc take a shock exit from Q1. The 21-year-old, who is racing at his home event, was eliminated by his teammate Sebastian Vettel, who also struggled throughout the session.

Vettel hit the wall during Q1 and had to go again, while Ferrari kept Leclerc in the garage, believing him to be safe from the drop zone.

Vettel made contact with the wall again in Q3, and had to settle for the second spot on the second row, behind the Red Bull of Max Verstappen, who was half a second down on Hamilton.

Pierre Gasly took his best qualifying result of the season, as he slotted his car into fifth place behind Vettel.

Magnussen tops midfield fight

After winning the race around Monaco 12 months ago, Daniel Ricciardo almost claimed the 'best of the rest' position for Renault, but was beaten by Haas' Kevin Magnussen. 

Toro Rosso was the only midfield squad to get both of its cars inside the top ten, with Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon qualifying in eighth and tenth respectively.

Carlos Sainz was the sole McLaren in Q3, splitting the Toro Rosso's when the final fast laps were complete.

Both Alfa Romeo's were at the bottom of the Q2 drop zone, with Kimi Raikkonen once more out-qualifying teammate Antonio Giovianzzi. Romain Grosjean was disgruntled by traffic while Lando Norris and Nico Hulkenberg failed to make it through.

Racing Point also struggled massively, as it was only quicker than Williams in the Q1 dropzone. Both Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll joined Leclerc, George Russell and Robert Kubica on the final rows.

Monte Carlo - 25 May 2019

Replies (4)

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  • abhidbgt

    Posts: 283

    Stupid Ferrari, utterly stupid. Beyond comprehension really.

    • + 0
    • May 25 2019 - 16:02
  • crazy session

    • + 0
    • May 25 2019 - 16:40
  • THEY NEED A DEDICATED TEAM PRINCIPAL.

    • + 0
    • May 26 2019 - 00:42
  • Jesus christ it is hard to avoid spoilers about quali whenever I miss it!

    That aside, decent session. Impressive laps from Merc', great run from all Honda cars. Ferrari what are you doing? What stuff are you using, and can I have some? Because it must have some decent oompf!

    • + 0
    • May 26 2019 - 13:00

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