Monaco: Where Legends Are Made

Last year, one of their own, Charles Leclerc, finally claimed a long-awaited victory on home soil, reigniting the flame of passion in a sport already overflowing with glitz, glamour, and glory.

At the heart of it all lies the crown jewel: Monaco — the race of races. Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked tax haven, this iconic circuit snakes through luxury-lined streets and past superyachts bobbing in the bay. The light dances off the Mediterranean, the atmosphere buzzes with energy, and the cars roar past centuries-old buildings — where history and horsepower collide.

It’s a race steeped in legacy, where legends are made — including Bruce McLaren, who etched his name into motorsport history with a win there in 1962.

While Monaco is iconic, the racing hasn’t kept up with the times. Today’s F1 cars are much larger than those from previous eras, but the circuit’s narrow, twisting layout has remained unchanged — making overtaking almost impossible. In an effort to make the race more exciting, the FIA has experimented with two-stop strategies, hoping to shake things up.

George Russell was handed a drive-through penalty and had 10 seconds added to his time for cutting the chicane while overtaking Alex Albon, finishing in 11th place. Pierre Gasly crashed in the tunnel on lap 9 due to brake failure, while Alonso’s day ended on lap 38 with engine trouble.

Lando Norris took his second win of the season, delivering McLaren’s first victory in Monaco since seven-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 triumph. Also celebrating was New Zealand’s Liam Lawson, who scored his first championship points of the season with a solid drive to P8 — a proud moment for Kiwi motorsport.

Monaco remains a jewel in Formula 1’s crown — not because of thrilling overtakes, but because of the legacy it represents. For Norris, this win is not just another 25 points; it’s a moment of career-defining brilliance. And for McLaren, it’s proof they’re no longer midfield. Their return to the top is real — just as Bruce McLaren would have envisioned.