F1 Live - Monaco GP Qualifying Watchalong Live timings Commentary
How Monaco Grand Prix qualifying unfolded
WEB 2023 F1 Monaco GP qualifying analysis by Peter Windsor
The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session was a thrilling and dramatic affair, with Sergio Perez taking a surprise pole position ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Here's how the session unfolded:
Q1
The first qualifying session saw the usual suspects at the top of the timesheets, with Max Verstappen setting the early pace ahead of Leclerc and Sainz. However, it was Perez who impressed, setting the fourth-fastest time and looking comfortable in the Red Bull.
The biggest surprise of Q1 was the elimination of Fernando Alonso, who could only manage 17th place in the Alpine. The two Williams drivers, Nicholas Latifi and Alex Albon, also failed to progress to Q2.
Q2
Q2 was even more dramatic, with several drivers crashing out. George Russell was the first to go, losing control of his Mercedes at the Swimming Pool chicane. He was followed by Lando Norris, who crashed heavily at the Massenet corner.
The crashes brought out the red flags, and when the session resumed, it was Perez who set the pace. Leclerc and Sainz were close behind, but Perez held on to take the provisional pole position.
Q3
Q3 was a tense affair, with the top three drivers all within a tenth of a second of each other. Perez was the first to set a time, but Leclerc quickly went faster. Sainz then went even faster, but Perez responded with a stunning lap to take pole position.
Leclerc and Sainz were left to settle for second and third, respectively, while Verstappen could only manage fourth after a disappointing qualifying session.
Conclusion
Perez's pole position was a surprise, but he thoroughly deserved it. He was the quickest driver all weekend, and he put in a perfect lap when it mattered most.
Leclerc and Sainz will be disappointed to miss out on pole, but they will still be confident of challenging for victory on Sunday. Verstappen will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing qualifying session, but he will need to find some extra pace if he wants to win the Monaco Grand Prix.
Comments