F1 Monaco GP 2024 LIVE: Results, times and updates as Charles Leclerc wins home race

Charles Leclerc ended his Monaco curse by winning with a comfortable margin at his home race. After near-misses in 2021 and 2022, when he started on pole, Leclerc kept McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at bay to claim a first victory on home soil and reduce the championship gap to Max Verstappen.

Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz finished third with Lando Norris fourth. Mercedes’ George Russell crossed the line in fifth ahead of Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton took seventh.

The race had started in explosive fashion when Sergio Perez hit the barrier on the hill up from Sainte Devote. The Red Bull driver was clipped by Kevin Magnussen and which resulted in a three car crash.

The Mexican was sent into the wall and lost both front wings and both tyres. The trio all walked away unscathed.

Relive the updates from the Monaco Grand Prix with The Independent

F1 MONACO GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES

• Charles Leclerc finally realises Monaco destiny after massive Sergio Perez crash

• Leclerc wins Monaco Grand Prix for first time

• RED FLAG! Carnage on the opening lap sees Red Bull’s Perez lose three wheels after crash with Kevin Magnussen

• Martin Brundle tells off Kylian Mbappe’s bodyguard on Monaco grid: ‘I’m in charge around here!’

• EXCLUSIVE: F1 legend Nigel Mansell on that 1992 battle with Ayrton Senna in Monaco

• PREVIEW: How Monaco GP presents a unique F1 challenge – and why Charles Leclerc is desperate to finally triumph at home

Charles Leclerc finally realises Monaco destiny after massive Sergio Perez crash

16:53 , Mike Jones

Under the blazing Mediterranean sunshine and crisp blue skies on this most prestigious of racing Sundays, this famed principality’s prodigal son finally realised his day of days. Charles Leclerc’s procession started long before the chequered flag; in fact, from lap one’s crash chaos and red flag, this grand prix victory could hardly have been simpler. No pit-stops. No incidents. No Ferrari meltdown.

The curse is well and truly over.

Of course, by the curse, we mean that Leclerc – the Monegasque star who has never claimed a podium at his home race, let alone a win – had been here before. Pole positions in 2021 and 2022 were butchered by a drive shaft issue and strategy blunder but 2024 felt like his year from practice on Friday. Armed with the quickest car, Leclerc has been rapid all weekend and his victory felt somewhat pencilled in after topping qualifying on Saturday.

Charles Leclerc finally realises Monaco destiny after massive Sergio Perez crash

Monaco Grand Prix - Lando Norris speaking to Sky Sports

17:48 , Mike Jones

“There’s not much going on in Monaco but the red flag simplified things and made things less action packed.

“A good result for us as a team, not a lot to aim for, just get your tyres to the end and don’t make mistakes which is pretty simple. For what it is, a fourth and a second, congrats to Oscar for his podium is always a lovely one to have in Monaco.

“We did what we could, I think the pace was strong from the car today which is another positive thing for the future, and our races have been strong lately so we will keep pushing.”

Drivers’ Championship top 10

17:42 , Mike Jones

Charles Leclerc has managed to cut Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the drivers’ championship over to 31 points after his Monaco victory.

The race was over on lap one for Sergio Perez who drops to fifth place below Carlos Saiz in fourth and third-placed Lando Norris.

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 169

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 138

3. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 113

4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) - 108

5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) - 107

6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 71

7. George Russell (Mercedes) - 54

8. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 42

9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 33

10. Yuki Tsunoda (RB) - 19

Monaco Grand Prix - Reaction from Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur

17:36 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Carlos Sainz’s post match thoughts

17:30 , Mike Jones

“It was a tight one and a very bad feeling in Lap One that very quickly turned into a very good feeling after getting reinstated to P3.

“From then on the race pace was good as expected, it was just impossible to get past the streets in Monaco, but I’m extremely happy to see Charles win his home grand prix.

“To see him driving all weekend and share this podium with him in P3 is a great feeling for the whole team and I think they all deserve it. It looks like we are getting stronger and stronger every weekend.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Reaction from Oscar Piastri

17:23 , Mike Jones

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said: “It was a tricky race, the pace in the beginning was incredibly slow. I had one little half look into the tunnel but I didn’t have a small enough car to put in the gap. Nice to put a result on the board, we’ve been strong the last few races but not got the results.

“Charles has been mega all weekend. They’ve [Ferrari] been quick all weekend. It would have taken something very special in quali to out do him, probably the best lap of my life. I’m happy with P2, good result for the team again. Very happy.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

17:16 , Mike Jones

A last word from Charles Leclerc: “A huge thank you, the parade laps were special and seeing so many of my friends and people I know in the balcony, it was just very special. This one means a lot.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

17:10 , Mike Jones

Here are the thoughts of Charles Leclerc’s brother:

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

17:04 , Mike Jones

More from Leclerc: “It’s really difficult, at first I thought we had quite a lot of margin but we knew there was 78 laps to do on the same tyre which was very difficult.

“We did a great management of the tyres, there was a big part of the race where we had to manage the gap with George and in the last ten laps I called to push a bit more and the car felt amazing.

“I want to thank the team who have done incredible work over the last few months and for giving me the opportunity to finally win this race is a very special feeling.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:58 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Charles Leclerc: “No words can explain. It’s such a difficult race, I think the fact that twice I’ve started on pole position and we couldn’t quite make it makes it even better in a way, it means a lot obviously.

“It is a race that made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver one day. It was a difficult race emotional because already 15 laps to the end you are just hoping nothing happens, already the emotions were coming.

“I was thinking of my dad a lot more than I thought while driving, obviously he’s given everything for me to be here. It was a dream of ours and for me to race here and to win and so it’s unbelievable.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:54 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:52 , Mike Jones

Prince Albert of Monaco warmly embraced Charles Leclerc on the podium before handing the Ferrari driver the winner’s trophy. It’s a Ferrari filled podium with Carlos Sainz receiving warm applause as well.

This weekend has been a good one for them as they’ve cut the gap in the constructors’ championship too.

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:41 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:39 , Mike Jones

And here’s the lower half of the leaderboard:

11. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

12. Daniel Ricciardo (RB)

13. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)

14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

15. Logan Sargeant (Williams)

16. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)

DNF. Esteban Ocon (Apline)

DNF. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

DNF. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)

DNF. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:38 , Mike Jones

Here’s a bit of reaction from Charles Leclerc: “No words can explain this. I think because twice I started from pole and couldn’t make it, it means more in a way.

“It was a race that made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver. In the last 15 laps, the emotions were coming - I was thinking of my Dad, he gave everything to get me here. It was a dream of his for me to race here and to win, so this is unbelievable.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:34 , Mike Jones

Here’s how the top 10 looks:

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

4. Lando Norris (McLaren)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

7. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

8. Yuki Tsunoda (RB)

9. Alex Albon (Williams)

10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:32 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:31 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory

16:29 , Mike Jones

“Yes! Yes we did it, finally!” cries Charles Leclerc, “Tonight, is going to be a big night!”

Monaco Grand Prix - Russell holds off Verstappen

16:28 , Mike Jones

Max Verstappen’s pit stop almost gave him the weapons to take on George Russell but the Mercedes manages to keep the Red Bull at bay and claim fifth.

Verstappen is sixth and Lewis Hamilton seventh.

Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory!

16:26 , Mike Jones

The chequered flag comes down and Charles Leclerc wins the Monaco Grand Prix!

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri crosses the line in second and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz safely gets home to complete the podium in third place.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 76/78

16:24 , Mike Jones

Kylian Mbappe is going to wave the chequered flag. No-one is going to catch Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton is still pushing on Max Verstappen further back though.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 74/78

16:21 , Mike Jones

“I’ll just bring it home,” says Charles Leclerc. There’s no catching him now unless he makes a monumental error with four laps to go.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 72/78

16:19 , Mike Jones

Carlos Sainz tries to put some pressure on Oscar Piastri and closes to within half a second of the McLaren. He’s hoping for a gap or a mistake to get past and set up a second place finish.

Charles Leclerc has pushed on and is over eight seconds ahead with six laps to go.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 69/78

16:14 , Mike Jones

Less than 10 laps to go during this Grand Prix and Charles Leclerc looks comfortable. He’s starting to increase his pace with Ferrari happy that his tyres will make it to the end.

Leclerc is hunting down a first home win.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 66/78

16:11 , Mike Jones

Mercedes’ task to Russell earlier in the race to preserve his tyres seems to be paying off now as Verstappen is finding it tough to set up a chance for an overtake.

Behind him Lewis Hamilton continues to set quick laps and is closing on Verstappen himself. The front four cars are just continuing as they have been doing all race.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 63/78

16:07 , Mike Jones

Max Verstappen has caught up to George Russell and now looks for the opportunity to overtake. Mercedes have gambled on track position advantage for Russell but it could backfire.

The gap between them is half a second.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 60/78

16:03 , Mike Jones

Carlos Sainz is worried. He says: “If Lando puts on new mediums that puts Charles in danger.” The Ferraris are working for each other but they need a plan to end this race well.

One of Ferrari or McLaren may need to gamble before this race is done.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 59/78

16:01 , Mike Jones

Lewis Hamilton goes into the low 1:14s and retakes the fastest lap. Hamilton and Verstappen are the two quickest cars on the circuit now gaining about two seconds per lap on the front four.

Lance Stroll overtakes Zhou Guanyu in the tunnel so there are opporunities for the Red Bull to challenge if he can quickly close on Russell and Norris.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 57/78

15:59 , Mike Jones

Verstappen, 37 seconds off the lead, replaces Hamilton as the quickest driver with a lap of one minute 15 seconds. Lando Norris and George Russell have thinking to do with the Red Bull flying.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 56/78

15:56 , Mike Jones

Lewis Hamilton sets the newest fast lap of 1:16.458 but remains a couple of seconds behind Max Verstappen.

“Why didn’t you tell me the outlap was critical?” asks Hamilton after Verstappen gets out of the pits ahead of him.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 54/78

15:55 , Mike Jones

It’s a good pit stop from Red Bull as Max Verstappen comes out just ahead of Lewis Hamilton again. George Russell won’t be pleased.

He’s still on the mediums and has a hunting Verstappen chasing him down now.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 53/78

15:53 , Mike Jones

Mercedes and Red Bull are both preparing pit stops. Lewis Hamilton is the Mercedes that comes in and switches to hard tyres. Max Verstappen stays out there and decides to increase his pace on George Russell.

Red Bull won’t want to give up sixth and will be planning to pit Verstappen on the next attempt.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 51/78

15:51 , Mike Jones

McLaren are still hopeful of getting Lando Norris on a fresh set of tyres. He needs to open a gap of over 20 seconds on George Russell though before they can pull the trigger on pitting.

Further back, Lance Stroll has a puncture and has to change tyres again! Aston Martin’s good work from earlier is all for nothing as he falls to the bottom of the leaderboard as a result.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 49/78

15:48 , Mike Jones

Esteban Ocon has taken responsibility for his collision with Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Today’s incident was my fault, the gap was too small in the end and I apologise to the team on this one. Hoping for a deserved points-finish for the team today.”

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 47/78

15:46 , Mike Jones

Charles Leclerc is winless on his last 12 starts on pole position and has never been on the podium at Monaco, his home race. So far things are looking good for the Ferrari driver though.

He’s weathering his tyres well and is two seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri in second.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 44/78

15:43 , Mike Jones

Lance Stroll has gone into the pits after Fernando Alonso allows him enough time to hold his place in 11th. He’s now on the hard tryes and should be fine to make it to the end of the race.

Good display of teamwork there.

Lando Norris asks how his front left tyre is looking and gets the reply that his is the best of the top four cars.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 42/78

15:39 , Mike Jones

Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri both lap Valtteri Bottas who is at the back of the pack despite having set the fastest lap. Piastri radios to his team questioning why Leclerc hasn’t slowed down yet.

‘He must have a problem otherwise why wouldn’t he slow down?’ Says the Australian.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 40/78

15:36 , Mike Jones

No change to the top five with Charles Leclerc slightly slowing the pace in an attempt to keep George Russell close to Lando Norris.

What Ferrari don’t want is for Norris to stop and come back out on good tyres, ahead of Russell, and then challenge Carlos Sainz for third.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 38/78

15:33 , Mike Jones

Charles Leclerc has a big enough to stop, pit, change tyres and come out ahead of George Russell in fifth. He won’t do it yet though as he’d get stuck behind both McLaren’s and Carlos Sainz who may have the legs to get to the end of the race.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 35/78

15:29 , Mike Jones

There’s a debate going on between McLaren and Ferrari as to which team is likely to pit first. That decision could decide who goes on to win this Grand Prix.

“There is a risk if we open 20 seconds Lando catches us.” says Carlos Sainz to his Ferrari garage. Sainz is also worried about the tyre degradation.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 32/78

15:25 , Mike Jones

Lance Stroll is struggling with left front tyre graining. His times are slowing down and there’s a long way to go in this race. Mercedes are taking note of that as their drivers are both on medium tyres too.

McLaren radio across to Lando Norris and tell him they’ve spotted graining on Carlos Sainz’s tyres up ahead.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 29/78

15:22 , Mike Jones

Behind Fernando Alonso in 12th place there’s a queue forming ofr Daniel Ricciardo, Logan Sargeant, Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas.

There’s no way around the Aston Martin who is maintaining his medium tyres.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 27/78

15:20 , Mike Jones

Current top five:

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

4. Lando Norris (McLaren)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 25/78

15:18 , Mike Jones

Max Verstappen is having a quiet weekend. He’s not had the best speeds around this track and is just happy to plod around in between the two Mercedes.

Between first and fourth there’s a gap of around five seconds.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 22/78

15:14 , Mike Jones

George Russell has let the Ferrari’s and McLaren’s get away. He’s 12 seconds behind Norris in fourth and that’s a gap large enough for a safety car stop to keep the McLaren ahead of the Mercedes should any further incidents occur.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 19/78

15:10 , Mike Jones

Leading the race, Charles Leclerc’s fastest lap is only a 1:20.30 At the back on new tyres Valtteri Bottas has just set a new fast lap of 1:16.56 which is four seconds quicker than the Ferrari.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 17/78

15:07 , Mike Jones

Valtteri Bottas has gone into the pits and switched onto hard tyres. He’s right at the back of the field and some 17 seconds behind Sauber teammate Zhou Guanyu.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 15/78

15:05 , Mike Jones

Oscar Piastri is putting the foot down a bit and has cut the gap on Charles Leclerc to around half a second. The McLaren also has the fastest lap of the race so far.

Leclerc hasn’t started to take on this circuit yet. He’s managing his tyres to reach the end of the race.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 11/78

15:00 , Mike Jones

George Russell’s attempt to manage his tyres means that time is opening up for the front four cars to make a stop in the pits. It’s a bit frustrating for both Russell and Max Verstappen behind him.

Every communication with the Mercedes garage seems to be Russell asking to quicken up.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 11/78

14:58 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 9/78

14:57 , Mike Jones

Max Verstappen in sixth place is already nine seconds off the lead and this feels like a rare race where he won’t be affecting matters at the top.

Oscar Piastri needs to remain within a second of Charles Leclerc to maintain his old on second place.

Martin Brundle tells off Kylian Mbappe’s bodyguard on Monaco grid: ‘I’m in charge around here!’

14:55 , Kieran Jackson

Martin Brundle displayed his usual savagery on the pre-race Formula 1 grid by telling Kylian Mbappe’s bodyguard: “I’m in charge around here!”

Sky F1 broadcaster Brundle was trying to interview the France and PSG star on the grid at the Monaco Grand Prix.

However, one of Mbappe’s security guards fended off Brundle, triggering the veteran commentator to launch a rebuttal.

Brundle said: “It’s alright mate, I’m in charge around here!”

Martin Brundle tells off Kylian Mbappe’s bodyguard: ‘I’m in charge around here!’

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 7/78

14:54 , Mike Jones

Charles Leclerc will be very happy, he’s got control of the race and can set the tempo for the rest of the field. The Ferrari is already a second ahead of Oscar Piastri in second.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 7/78

14:53 , Mike Jones

Russell is getting a bit fiesty behind Norris and is told to back off a bit by Mercedes who want to manage his tyres. Russell replies that this is the ‘only opportunity’ to get past the McLaren.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 4/78

14:50 , Mike Jones

A warm-up lap counted towards the official race distance before the standing start resumed the race. Leclerc crosses the line to initiate lap four.

George Russell is keeping close tabs on Lando Norris but hasn’t got the distance needed to think about an overtake.

Monaco Grand Prix - Green light! 🟢

14:48 , Mike Jones

We’re back underway!

Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri get away wonderfully and Carlos Sainz isn’t able to catch the McLaren. The front of the grid is the same as the start as they head through the first few corners.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:47 , Mike Jones

The front four of Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz and Norris are all on hard tyres with the hopes that they can take them to the end of the race without a pit stop.

Behind them Russell, Verstappen and Hamilton have chosen to go onto the medium which will definitely need switching out at some point.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:45 , Mike Jones

Esteban Ocon has changed into jeans which is highly likely to mean that his Alpine is out of this race too. Remember he collided quite heavily with Pierre Gasly and the team probably decided that he couldn’t continue.

The cars head out onto the track ahead of the restart.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:40 , Mike Jones

McLaren have been working on damage to the floor and sidepods of Oscar Piastri’s car but he seems happy with it just ahead of this restart.

Can Charles Leclerc hold his own again and maintain his place in first against Piastri?

Monaco Grand Prix - Race resumes at 2.44pm

14:33 , Mike Jones

The race is scheduled to begin at 2.44pm BST.

The race barriers have been repaired and the debris has been cleared off the track. Alpine are facing a race to get Pierre Gasly’s car ready again after his collision with Esteban Ocon.

Oscar Piastri’s car seems fine for McLaren.

Monaco Grand Prix - No further investigation on Perez-Magnussen crash

14:31 , Mike Jones

Kevin Magnussen will stay on 10 penalty points. The stewards have decided no further investigations are needed into the collision between the Red Bull of Sergio Perez and Magnuessen’s Haas.

Sergio Perez’s Red Bull car in tatters after massive crash at start of Monaco Grand Prix

14:25 , Kieran Jackson

Sergio Perez’s Red Bull car in tatters after massive crash at start of Monaco GP

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:25 , Mike Jones

Here’s a look at the crash between Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez:

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:23 , Mike Jones

The resumption will be a standing start. Ferrari get lucky and Carlos Sainz will be able to resume the race in third place despite clipping Oscar Piastri.

He would have slipped further down the grid if Perez and the Haas’ hadn’t crashed.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:20 , Mike Jones

There’s a debate going on during Sky Sports’ coverage about how this race will resume. It may be a full restart or perhaps a standing start with the cars in the same positions they were in as the race was halted.

Before the crash only Charles Leclerc and possibly Oscar Piastri reached the first time markers so how the race resumes is unknown at the minute.

What is clear though is that Sergio Perez will not be taking further part after that crash.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:17 , Mike Jones

Monaco Grand Prix - Lap 1/78

14:16 , Mike Jones

“What did he do? What did he do? Why did he try to attack me? Oh gosh, the whole car is damaged now!” says Pierre Gasly who also came into contact with teammate Esteban Ocon on the first lap too.

It’s all been happening out there.

Monaco Grand Prix - Magnuessen facing race ban?

14:13 , Mike Jones

Kevin Magnussen will probably be heading to the stewards after that crash. He’s already had 10 penalty points this season and if he picks up two more he faces a race ban.

It’ll be interesting to see how this incident plays out and wouldn’t be at all surprising if Magnussen is found to be at fault there.

Monaco Grand Prix - ‘That was unnecessary'

14:12 , Mike Jones

Nico Hulkenberg assessed the actions of his teammate Kevin Magnussen who kept pushing to try and get around the Red Bull of Sergio Perez.

All three cars are probably out of this race with Hulkenberg sending a radio message saying: “Ah, that was unecessary!”

Monaco Grand Prix - Sainz vs Piastri

14:09 , Mike Jones

The crash between Perez and the Haas cars flung debris all over the track. The cars have been craned off and there will be a resumption shortly.

It’s good news for Carlos Sainz who connected with Oscar Piastri up near the top of the grid and burst his front left tyre. He’ll be able to sort that before the race gets going again.

A bit of insight into the Perez crash showed the Red Bull getting clipped by Kevin Magnussen before heading into the barriers.

Monaco Grand Prix - Red Flag!🛑

14:06 , Mike Jones

There’s loads of debris on the track after a crash between both Haas cars and Sergio Perez. The Red Bull’s front wings have both been blown off the car with the front wheels flying loose too.

All three drivers seem to be okay.

Monaco Grand Prix - Lights out!

14:04 , Mike Jones

Here we go, the Monaco Grand Prix is underway with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on pole position ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

The Ferrari gets away quickly and holds the inside line approaching the first turn. Behind him Carlos Sainz attempts to take on Piastri and looks for the overtake but hasn’t got the space.

He settles in third place but there looks to be some contact, Sainz looks to have a puncture!

Starting grid for the Monaco Grand Prix:

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

1. Charles Leclerc

2. Oscar Piastri

3. Carlos Sainz

4. Lando Norris

5. George Russell

6. Max Verstappen

7. Lewis Hamilton

8. Yuki Tsunoda

9. Alex Albon

10. Pierre Gasly

11. Esteban Ocon

12. Daniel Ricciardo

13. Lance Stroll

14. Fernando Alonso

15. Logan Sargeant

16. Sergio Perez

17. Valtteri Bottas

18. Zhou Guanyu

19. Nico Hulkenberg*

20. Kevin Magnussen*

*Both Haas cars start at the back of the grid as a result of being disqualified from qualifying due to their rear-wing exceeding the limit set in the regulations.

George Russell, who starts P5:

13:41 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s always difficult to overake in Monaco - two Ferraris and McLarens in front, maybe there’s some strategy in play.

“Red Bull have had a tricky few races. They’re still the dominant team and they’ll get the normal pace from next race onwards.

“Nice to sleep at home!”

Raceday odds!

13:40 , Kieran Jackson

Monaco Grand Prix Winner

Charles Leclerc - 4/11

Oscar Piastri - 5/1

Max Verstappen - 10/1

Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris - 12/1

George Russell - 33/1

Lewis Hamilton - 40/1

Yuki Tsunoda - 250/1

Alex Albon, Sergio Perez - 500/1

Daniel Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly - 1000/1

Esteban Ocon - 1500/1

Lance Stroll, Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen - 200/1

Guanyu Zhou, Logan Sargeant, Valtteri Bottas - 3000/1

Odds provided by Betway

Under half-an-hour until lights out!

13:35 , Kieran Jackson

It’s raceday in Monaco!

Charles Leclerc starts on pole for the third time in the principality but can he this time secure the win? McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is alongside him, with Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz in third.

Max Verstappen? Way down, in sixth! So on a track where overtaking is near-impossible, it represents a huge chance for the chasing pack to make up some ground on the championship leader!

Stay right here for all the build-up - lights out is at 2pm (BST)!

EXCLUSIVE: F1 legend Nigel Mansell on that 1992 battle with Ayrton Senna in Monaco

13:25 , Kieran Jackson

They say it’s the ones that got away which cause the most pain. Linger in the mind, like a pox on your skin. Nigel Mansell, with his swashbuckling driving style, unshakeable British charisma and iconic moustache, conquered many hills in Formula 1. One world championship. Two years racing for Ferrari. And four victories at the British Grand Prix.

Never a win at Monaco, however.

It was 32 years ago when he came closest, in the most despairing of defeats snatched from the jaws of victory. Mansell had claimed five consecutive race victories heading into the iconic principality, in a Williams car which he would steer relentlessly towards his only world title.

But Monaco was the one that got away.

Full interview below:

Nigel Mansell on famous Ayrton Senna battle in Monaco: ‘I should’ve hit him!’

Qualifying report: Charles Leclerc has Monaco victory in his sight – as Max Verstappen bemoans Red Bull ‘go-kart’

13:16 , Kieran Jackson

Half the job is done. Nowhere on the 24-race Formula 1 calendar does qualifying matter so much and, most pertinently, for Monaco’s homegrown star. Twice previously, Charles Leclerc has been unable to capitalise on a pole position on the streets of Monte-Carlo: once in 2021 due to a drive-shaft issue which meant he was unable to start the race and second in 2022, when Ferrari blundered in their pit-lane strategy.

But as they say, third time’s a charm.

This seems a different Ferrari outfit now, too. Led by the cheeky but firm personality of team principal Fred Vasseur, the Scuderia are showing clear signs of progress both in car development and, perhaps more crucially, in the pitlane. So much so that Lewis Hamilton is gambling the end of his glittering career on a move to Maranello next year.

But 2024 may have some life left in it yet. As for Leclerc, he’s made changes too. Long-term engineer Xavi Marcos was ditched prior to the last race and it was his new man in the ear, Bryan Bozz, who informed the Monegasque of his pole position on Saturday, two-tenths clear of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – a surprise name in second.

Full report below:

Leclerc has Monaco victory in his sight – as Verstappen bemoans Red Bull ‘go-kart’

Constructors’ Championship ahead of Monaco

13:08 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 268 points

2. Ferrari - 212 points

3. McLaren - 154 points

4. Mercedes - 79 points

5. Aston Martin - 44 points

6. RB - 20 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 1 point

9. Williams - 0 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

Two Liverpool defenders in the house!

13:03 , Kieran Jackson

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are in Monaco today!

Starting grid for the Monaco Grand Prix:

12:57 , Kieran Jackson

1. Charles Leclerc

2. Oscar Piastri

3. Carlos Sainz

4. Lando Norris

5. George Russell

6. Max Verstappen

7. Lewis Hamilton

8. Yuki Tsunoda

9. Alex Albon

10. Pierre Gasly

11. Esteban Ocon

12. Nico Hulkenberg

12. Daniel Ricciardo

13. Lance Stroll

15. Kevin Magnussen

14. Fernando Alonso

15. Logan Sargeant

16. Sergio Perez

17. Valtteri Bottas

18. Zhou Guanyu

19. Nico Hulkenberg*

20. Kevin Magnussen*

*Both Haas cars start at the back of the grid as a result of being disqualified from qualifying due to their rear-wing exceeding the limit set in the regulations.

Lewis Hamilton, who starts P7, at the drivers’ parade:

12:44 , Kieran Jackson

“We’’re so privileged to drive on this track, I pinch myself every morning. I drew up watching this on TV, we’re so so fortunate! This crowd every year is incredible.

“Racepace has not been an issue this year, I’ll give it my best shot.”

Oscar Piastri:

12:36 , Kieran Jackson

“Starting from pole would be better, but a good chance to win the race

“I’m happy with I am. For today, getting a good result is important.”

Driver Standings ahead of Monaco:

12:31 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 161 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 113 points

3. Sergio Perez - 107 points

4. Lando Norris - 101 points

5. Carlos Sainz - 93 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 53 points

7. George Russell - 44 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 35 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 33 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 15 points

11. Lance Stroll - 11 points

12. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

13. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo - 5 points

15. Esteban Ocon - 1 point

16. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

17. Alex Albon - 0 points

18. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

19. Pierre Gasly - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Lando Norris:

12:25 , Kieran Jackson

“I want to overtake one car, and finish on the podium.

“Monaco is easy, I can sleep in my own bed, I always look forward to it. It’s exciting, hard as ever, will make for an exciting race.”

Siya Kolisi and Raphael Varane also among the sporting stars in Monaco!

12:18 , Kieran Jackson

Two hours until Monaco Grand Prix!

12:00 , Kieran Jackson

The sun is shining and the stars are out in the principality ahead of round eight of the 2024 Formula 1 season!

Can Charles Leclerc do it? The hometown hero starts on pole, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri alongside him and Carlos Sainz in third.

Max Verstappen is down in sixth, sandwiched in between the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

If Leclerc keeps the lead at turn one, you’d think the win could be on!

The Mercedes boys arrive in style!

11:49 , Kieran Jackson

A disappointed Max Verstappen after qualifying P6:

11:31 , Kieran Jackson

PREVIEW: How Monaco GP presents a unique F1 challenge – and why Charles Leclerc is desperate to finally triumph at home

11:13 , Kieran Jackson

The treacherous twists and turns of the Circuit de Monaco have not been kind to this small principality’s prodigal son. It took until 2022 – after two retirements and one devastating failure to make the start line after qualifying on pole, with a Covid cancellation thrown in the middle – for Charles Leclerc to finish his home grand prix. And even that was ruined by a strategy failure, confining him to fourth after also qualifying on pole.

Two years on, the Ferrari driver is heading into his sixth Monaco Grand Prix having never stood in the royal box overlooking the main straight, with Monaco the only race not to have an official podium for the top-three drivers. There is nowhere Leclerc, currently second in the world championship and trailing Max Verstappen by 48 points after seven races, would rather ignite a title challenge than here. The taste of winning champagne would hit different. You can bet it’d be expensive, too.

“Second or third is not really something that excites me,” Leclerc said on Thursday. “The win is what we need to target. We’ve seen in the last few races that Red Bull, McLaren and ourselves are pretty close in qualifying and we know how important qualifying is here so we’ll have to put everything together.

“If we are on pole, then that will give us a good chance to get what we want, which is a win.”

Full piece below:

The one driver who wants to win Monaco Grand Prix more than anyone

Constructors’ Championship ahead of Monaco

10:56 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 268 points

2. Ferrari - 212 points

3. McLaren - 154 points

4. Mercedes - 79 points

5. Aston Martin - 44 points

6. RB - 20 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 1 point

9. Williams - 0 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

EXCLUSIVE: F1 legend Nigel Mansell on that 1992 battle with Ayrton Senna in Monaco

10:28 , Kieran Jackson

They say it’s the ones that got away which cause the most pain. Linger in the mind, like a pox on your skin. Nigel Mansell, with his swashbuckling driving style, unshakeable British charisma and iconic moustache, conquered many hills in Formula 1. One world championship. Two years racing for Ferrari. And four victories at the British Grand Prix.

Never a win at Monaco, however.

It was 32 years ago when he came closest, in the most despairing of defeats snatched from the jaws of victory. Mansell had claimed five consecutive race victories heading into the iconic principality, in a Williams car which he would steer relentlessly towards his only world title.

But Monaco was the one that got away.

Full interview below:

Nigel Mansell on famous Ayrton Senna battle in Monaco: ‘I should’ve hit him!’

Driver Standings ahead of Monaco:

10:14 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 161 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 113 points

3. Sergio Perez - 107 points

4. Lando Norris - 101 points

5. Carlos Sainz - 93 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 53 points

7. George Russell - 44 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 35 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 33 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 15 points

11. Lance Stroll - 11 points

12. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

13. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo - 5 points

15. Esteban Ocon - 1 point

16. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

17. Alex Albon - 0 points

18. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

19. Pierre Gasly - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Qualifying report: Charles Leclerc has Monaco victory in his sight – as Max Verstappen bemoans Red Bull ‘go-kart’

10:02 , Kieran Jackson

Half the job is done. Nowhere on the 24-race Formula 1 calendar does qualifying matter so much and, most pertinently, for Monaco’s homegrown star. Twice previously, Charles Leclerc has been unable to capitalise on a pole position on the streets of Monte-Carlo: once in 2021 due to a drive-shaft issue which meant he was unable to start the race and second in 2022, when Ferrari blundered in their pit-lane strategy.

But as they say, third time’s a charm.

This seems a different Ferrari outfit now, too. Led by the cheeky but firm personality of team principal Fred Vasseur, the Scuderia are showing clear signs of progress both in car development and, perhaps more crucially, in the pitlane. So much so that Lewis Hamilton is gambling the end of his glittering career on a move to Maranello next year.

But 2024 may have some life left in it yet. As for Leclerc, he’s made changes too. Long-term engineer Xavi Marcos was ditched prior to the last race and it was his new man in the ear, Bryan Bozz, who informed the Monegasque of his pole position on Saturday, two-tenths clear of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – a surprise name in second.

Full report below:

Leclerc has Monaco victory in his sight – as Verstappen bemoans Red Bull ‘go-kart’

Starting grid for the Monaco Grand Prix:

09:54 , Kieran Jackson

1. Charles Leclerc

2. Oscar Piastri

3. Carlos Sainz

4. Lando Norris

5. George Russell

6. Max Verstappen

7. Lewis Hamilton

8. Yuki Tsunoda

9. Alex Albon

10. Pierre Gasly

11. Esteban Ocon

12. Nico Hulkenberg

12. Daniel Ricciardo

13. Lance Stroll

15. Kevin Magnussen

14. Fernando Alonso

15. Logan Sargeant

16. Sergio Perez

17. Valtteri Bottas

18. Zhou Guanyu

Pit lane. Nico Hulkenberg*

Pit lane. Kevin Magnussen

*Both Haas cars start in the pit-lane as a result of being disqualified from qualifying due to their rear-wing exceeding the limit set in the regulations

Good morning!

09:51 , Kieran Jackson

It’s raceday in Monaco!

Charles Leclerc starts on pole for the third time in the principality but can he this time secure the win? McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is alongside him, with Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz in third.

Max Verstappen? Way down, in sixth! So on a track where overtaking is near-impossible, it represents a huge chance for the chasing pack to make up some ground on the championship leader!

Stay right here for all the build-up - lights out is at 2pm (BST)!

Goodbye!

Saturday 25 May 2024 18:29 , Kieran Jackson

Thanks for joining us today, as Charles Leclerc took pole position at his home race in Monaco!

Can he claim his first victory here tomorrow? We’ll find out at 2pm (BST)!

We’ll be back with live coverage then, so until lights out, have a very good evening!

Qualifying report: Charles Leclerc has Monaco victory in his sight – as Max Verstappen bemoans Red Bull ‘go-kart’

Saturday 25 May 2024 17:50 , Kieran Jackson

Half the job is done. Nowhere on the 24-race Formula 1 calendar does qualifying matter so much and, most pertinently, for Monaco’s homegrown star. Twice previously, Charles Leclerc has been unable to capitalise on a pole position on the streets of Monte-Carlo: once in 2021 due to a drive-shaft issue which meant he was unable to start the race and second in 2022, when Ferrari blundered in their pit-lane strategy.

But as they say, third time’s a charm.

This seems a different Ferrari outfit now, too. Led by the cheeky but firm personality of team principal Fred Vasseur, the Scuderia are showing clear signs of progress both in car development and, perhaps more crucially, in the pitlane. So much so that Lewis Hamilton is gambling the end of his glittering career on a move to Maranello next year.

But 2024 may have some life left in it yet. As for Leclerc, he’s made changes too. Long-term engineer Xavi Marcos was ditched prior to the last race and it was his new man in the ear, Bryan Bozz, who informed the Monegasque of his pole position on Saturday, two-tenths clear of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – a surprise name in second.

Full report below:

Leclerc has Monaco victory in his sight – as Verstappen bemoans Red Bull ‘go-kart’

George Russell’s reaction after qualifying P5:

Saturday 25 May 2024 16:56 , Kieran Jackson

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website