Andrea Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Monaco Grand Prix after holding off Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic race that was shortened to a 10-lap sprint finish. The race was red-flagged with just 10 laps remaining after officials detected a ‘track break-up’ at Turn 19 following a collision involving Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc. The incident prompted stewards to halt the action for approximately 40 minutes while repairs and safety inspections were carried out.&nbsp;When the race was suspended, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver was leading over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Following the restart, Antonelli maintained his composure under intense pressure to secure a landmark victory on the streets of Monaco. Hamilton crossed the line in second place, while French rookie Isack Hadjar provisionally completed the podium in third. Race officials continued reviewing several incidents and potential penalties after the checkered flag, but Antonelli's breakthrough performance marked a historic moment as the young Italian claimed one of Formula 1's most prestigious victories.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ronaldo-to-beckham-8-most-iconic-fifa-world-cup-haircuts-that-football-fans-still-remember-1780838916605">Ronaldo to Beckham: 8 most iconic FIFA World Cup haircuts that football fans still remember</a><h2>Why was the Monaco Grand Prix red-flagged?</h2>The Monaco Grand Prix was brought to a halt with just 10 laps remaining on Sunday after concerns emerged over damage to the track surface. Race officials suspended the Formula 1 event under a red flag while the field was circulating behind the safety car following a crash involving Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.&nbsp;The decision was made after race control identified significant deterioration in a section of asphalt on the inside of Turn 19. Officials deemed it necessary to stop the race and conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage. Images from the circuit showed a strip of asphalt breaking apart, raising safety concerns for drivers and teams. Organisers, working closely with race control, immediately began evaluating repair options in an effort to make the track safe and allow the race to resume.

F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli wins ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar; Verstappen out on the opening lap

Andrea Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Monaco Grand Prix after holding off Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic race that was shortened to a 10-lap sprint finish. The race was red-flagged with just 10 laps remaining after officials detected a ‘track break-up’ at Turn 19 following a collision involving Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc. The incident prompted stewards to halt the action for approximately 40 minutes while repairs and safety inspections were carried out. When the race was suspended, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver was leading over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Following the restart, Antonelli maintained his composure under intense pressure to secure a landmark victory on the streets of Monaco. Hamilton crossed the line in second place, while French rookie Isack Hadjar provisionally completed the podium in third. Race officials continued reviewing several incidents and potential penalties after the checkered flag, but Antonelli's breakthrough performance marked a historic moment as the young Italian claimed one of Formula 1's most prestigious victories. Also Read: Ronaldo to Beckham: 8 most iconic FIFA World Cup haircuts that football fans still remember Why was the Monaco Grand Prix red-flagged? The Monaco Grand Prix was brought to a halt with just 10 laps remaining on Sunday after concerns emerged over damage to the track surface. Race officials suspended the Formula 1 event under a red flag while the field was circulating behind the safety car following a crash involving Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The decision was made after race control identified significant deterioration in a section of asphalt on the inside of Turn 19. Officials deemed it necessary to stop the race and conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage. Images from the circuit showed a strip of asphalt breaking apart, raising safety concerns for drivers and teams. Organisers, working closely with race control, immediately began evaluating repair options in an effort to make the track safe and allow the race to resume.

Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Isack Hadjar finishing third, as Max Verstappen retired early on the opening lap of the race

F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli wins ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar; Verstappen out on opening lap

Following the Monaco Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerged on top, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has demanded changes to Monaco after another uneventful race. In the recent past, there has been growing dissatisfaction over the track in Monaco primarily because it is very hard to bring any sort of action to it. Thus, Horner shared his opinion and called for changes to be made at the earliest.

It is to be noted that Monaco has always been a narrow track, however, with much bigger and wider cars coming into play, many have stated that if the driver ahead can place his car in the middle of the road, there won't be much space to overtake. Such an incident occurred on multiple occasions during the just-concluded Monaco GP, involving Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.&nbsp;When the 25-year-old Verstappen halted for fresh tyres and was lacking close to three seconds per lap quicker than George Russell, he got close but found no way to overtake the Mercedes driver.&nbsp;Eventually, the Red Bull driver just had to follow Russell till the end without even mounting an attack on him.

In this regard, Horner called for changes to be made to the track. Talking to the media, the Red Bull boss said, "I think it’s something that we should collectively have a look at. It’s not racing as such when you’re just driving around three or four seconds off the pace because the other car hasn’t got any chance of overtaking."

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He further added, "Monaco is such a great place to come racing, but the cars are so big now that we just need to look at can we do something that introduces an overtaking area, or at least a potential of an overtake, because the top 10 is exactly as it started on the grid and not a single overtake in the top 10. Thank God for Lance Stroll, the only guy that managed to overtake in the race."

Talking about the Monaco GP, Ferrari's Leclerc emerged on top whereas the big names such as Carlos Sainz, Verstappen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton ended fourth, sixth and seventh respectively.

The next race is the Canadian GP, which will take place early next month on June 9.

Following the Monaco Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerged on top, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has demanded changes to Monaco after another uneventful race.

Following the Monaco Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerged on top, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has demanded changes to Monaco after another uneventful race. In the recent past, there has been growing dissatisfaction over the track in Monaco primarily because it is very hard to bring any sort of action to it. Thus, Horner shared his opinion and called for changes to be made at the earliest. It is to be noted that Monaco has always been a narrow track, however, with much bigger and wider cars coming into play, many have stated that if the driver ahead can place his car in the middle of the road, there won't be much space to overtake. Such an incident occurred on multiple occasions during the just-concluded Monaco GP, involving Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. When the 25-year-old Verstappen halted for fresh tyres and was lacking close to three seconds per lap quicker than George Russell, he got close but found no way to overtake the Mercedes driver. Eventually, the Red Bull driver just had to follow Russell till the end without even mounting an attack on him. In this regard, Horner called for changes to be made to the track. Talking to the media, the Red Bull boss said, "I think it’s something that we should collectively have a look at. It’s not racing as such when you’re just driving around three or four seconds off the pace because the other car hasn’t got any chance of overtaking." Also read: Erik ten Hag future hangs in balance as Manchester United board wait for season review He further added, "Monaco is such a great place to come racing, but the cars are so big now that we just need to look at can we do something that introduces an overtaking area, or at least a potential of an overtake, because the top 10 is exactly as it started on the grid and not a single overtake in the top 10. Thank God for Lance Stroll, the only guy that managed to overtake in the race." Talking about the Monaco GP, Ferrari's Leclerc emerged on top whereas the big names such as Carlos Sainz, Verstappen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton ended fourth, sixth and seventh respectively. The next race is the Canadian GP, which will take place early next month on June 9.

‘It is not racing’ - Red Bull boss Christian Horner calls for changes to Monaco after another uneventful race

Charles Leclerc had tears in his eyes and thoughts of his late father surging through his mind as he sped to an emotional victory in his home Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. The win was a lifelong dream come true for the 26-year-old and owed much to the dedication and love of his father Herve, who died in 2017 while Leclerc was on his way to the Formula Two title.

The first homegrown winner of Formula One's showcase race since Louis Chiron in 1931 recalled afterwards how he had watched it as a boy with his father, dreaming of future adventures. "I remember being so young and watching the race with my friends, obviously with my father, that has done absolutely everything for me to get to where I am today," he said. "I feel like I don't only accomplish a dream of mine today, but also one of his."

Leclerc recalled the 2017 Baku Formula Two races that came three days after his father died, and where he managed to overcome the emotional turmoil in his mind and also win from pole position. "It's probably the first time in my career that it happened again while driving, where you've got these flashbacks of all these moments that we have spent together, all the sacrifices that he has done for me to get to where I am," he said. "It was both of our dreams to get there... That was, again, as I said earlier, probably the moment that was the most difficult to manage today."

Leclerc said to win with all his friends and family watching, and Prince Albert of Monaco also cheering him on, was a very special moment. The watching television audience of millions would have known nothing of what was going on inside the helmet over the closing 10 laps.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-f1-charles-leclerc-secures-first-home-win-at-monaco-grand-prix-as-verstappen-struggles-725653">F1: Charles Leclerc secures first home win at Monaco Grand Prix as Verstappen struggles</a>

"I realised actually two laps to the end that I was struggling to see out of the tunnel just because I had tears in my eyes," said Leclerc. "I was like... 'Charles, you cannot do that now. You still have two laps to finish'. And especially on a track like Monaco, you have to be on it all the way to the end.

"It was very difficult to contain those emotions, those thoughts again, of the people that have helped me to get to where I am today."

Leclerc started from pole position, as he had twice before in Monaco without reward even though overtaking is almost impossible on the narrow and twisty track. There was talk of curses and jinxes, doubts about whether he could finally end a sequence that had seen him fail to even step on his home podium in five attempts.

"I never believed in the curse," he said. "However, it always felt very difficult in the two occasions I had to win here.

"The thing is that as a driver you never really know when will be the next opportunity to win and especially when it's your home race and even more so when your home race is Monaco, that is such a special track."

Charles Leclerc had tears in his eyes and thoughts of his late father surging through his mind as he sped to an emotional victory in his home Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

Charles Leclerc had tears in his eyes and thoughts of his late father surging through his mind as he sped to an emotional victory in his home Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. The win was a lifelong dream come true for the 26-year-old and owed much to the dedication and love of his father Herve, who died in 2017 while Leclerc was on his way to the Formula Two title. The first homegrown winner of Formula One's showcase race since Louis Chiron in 1931 recalled afterwards how he had watched it as a boy with his father, dreaming of future adventures. "I remember being so young and watching the race with my friends, obviously with my father, that has done absolutely everything for me to get to where I am today," he said. "I feel like I don't only accomplish a dream of mine today, but also one of his." Leclerc recalled the 2017 Baku Formula Two races that came three days after his father died, and where he managed to overcome the emotional turmoil in his mind and also win from pole position. "It's probably the first time in my career that it happened again while driving, where you've got these flashbacks of all these moments that we have spent together, all the sacrifices that he has done for me to get to where I am," he said. "It was both of our dreams to get there... That was, again, as I said earlier, probably the moment that was the most difficult to manage today." Leclerc said to win with all his friends and family watching, and Prince Albert of Monaco also cheering him on, was a very special moment. The watching television audience of millions would have known nothing of what was going on inside the helmet over the closing 10 laps. Also read: F1: Charles Leclerc secures first home win at Monaco Grand Prix as Verstappen struggles "I realised actually two laps to the end that I was struggling to see out of the tunnel just because I had tears in my eyes," said Leclerc. "I was like... 'Charles, you cannot do that now. You still have two laps to finish'. And especially on a track like Monaco, you have to be on it all the way to the end. "It was very difficult to contain those emotions, those thoughts again, of the people that have helped me to get to where I am today." Leclerc started from pole position, as he had twice before in Monaco without reward even though overtaking is almost impossible on the narrow and twisty track. There was talk of curses and jinxes, doubts about whether he could finally end a sequence that had seen him fail to even step on his home podium in five attempts. "I never believed in the curse," he said. "However, it always felt very difficult in the two occasions I had to win here. "The thing is that as a driver you never really know when will be the next opportunity to win and especially when it's your home race and even more so when your home race is Monaco, that is such a special track."

Monaco Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc pays tribute to late father on emotional day

Charles Leclerc finally broke his Monaco Grand Prix curse on Sunday (May 26) as Red Bull had an off weekend with Max Verstappen sixth and Sergio Perez crashing out on the first lap.

Leclerc ended years of frustration at his home race by taking the jewel in the Formula One calendar from pole in his third attempt.

A tearful Leclerc said: "No words can explain this. It means a lot, it's the race that made me dream of becoming a F1 driver."

"Tonight is going to be a big night!"

McLaren's Oscar Piastri followed the man from Monaco across the line with Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari in third.

Leclerc had started at the front of the grid at the circuit he used to travel along on the bus to school as a kid in 2021 and 2022 only for misfortune to stop him winning on both occasions.

With Ferrari now a much smoother run ship under Fred Vasseur this was a far slicker Ferrari team than then, and Leclerc dictated the pace perfectly from the front, until the end of the first lap.

That was when the red flag had to come out to stop the race after a three-car pile-up with Perez's Red Bull ripped apart.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-can-give-my-life-on-that-adrian-newey%E2%80%99s-manager-slams-rumours-of-outgoing-red-bull-engineer-joining-ferrari-724545">Also read |&nbsp;'Can give my life on that': Adrian Newey’s manager slams rumours of outgoing Red Bull engineer joining Ferrari</a>

Perez spun after being hit hard from behind by Kevin Magnussen's Haas.

Nico Hulkenberg in the other Haas was a third innocent casualty.

The race on the narrow streets of the Principality was interrupted for around 30 minutes to allow debris to be cleared off the circuit.

All three crash victims were missing at the restart along with Alpine's Esteban Ocon, who joined this unhappy group of onlookers after he was forced to retire following a tangle with his team-mate Pierre Gasly.

Leclerc escaped all the drama and led for the rest of the race to claim a hugely popular success.

With three-time world champion Verstappen only sixth, Leclerc moved to within 31 points of the Dutchman ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in a fortnight's time.

Charles Leclerc finally broke his Monaco Grand Prix curse on Sunday (May 26) as Red Bull had an off weekend with Max Verstappen sixth and Sergio Perez crashing out on the first lap.

Charles Leclerc finally broke his Monaco Grand Prix curse on Sunday (May 26) as Red Bull had an off weekend with Max Verstappen sixth and Sergio Perez crashing out on the first lap. Leclerc ended years of frustration at his home race by taking the jewel in the Formula One calendar from pole in his third attempt. A tearful Leclerc said: "No words can explain this. It means a lot, it's the race that made me dream of becoming a F1 driver." "Tonight is going to be a big night!" McLaren's Oscar Piastri followed the man from Monaco across the line with Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari in third. Leclerc had started at the front of the grid at the circuit he used to travel along on the bus to school as a kid in 2021 and 2022 only for misfortune to stop him winning on both occasions. With Ferrari now a much smoother run ship under Fred Vasseur this was a far slicker Ferrari team than then, and Leclerc dictated the pace perfectly from the front, until the end of the first lap. That was when the red flag had to come out to stop the race after a three-car pile-up with Perez's Red Bull ripped apart. Also read | 'Can give my life on that': Adrian Newey’s manager slams rumours of outgoing Red Bull engineer joining Ferrari Perez spun after being hit hard from behind by Kevin Magnussen's Haas. Nico Hulkenberg in the other Haas was a third innocent casualty. The race on the narrow streets of the Principality was interrupted for around 30 minutes to allow debris to be cleared off the circuit. All three crash victims were missing at the restart along with Alpine's Esteban Ocon, who joined this unhappy group of onlookers after he was forced to retire following a tangle with his team-mate Pierre Gasly. Leclerc escaped all the drama and led for the rest of the race to claim a hugely popular success. With three-time world champion Verstappen only sixth, Leclerc moved to within 31 points of the Dutchman ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in a fortnight's time.

F1: Charles Leclerc secures first home win at Monaco Grand Prix as Verstappen struggles

It was a chaotic start to the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday (May 26) as the huge collision in the opening lap stopped the eighth race of the Formula One 2024 season. A massive crash involving Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg in the opening lap resulted in the red flag thereby halting the start of the race. Interestingly, the crash adds to the unfortunate list of Monaco Grand Prix collisions that have made the headlines in the past.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
F1 MONACO GP : Red Flag 🚩 ! WATCH 
 
Huge Crash involving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Perez?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Perez</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Magnussen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Magnussen</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hulkenberg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hulkenberg</a> at first lap. 
 
Two <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alpine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alpine</a> involving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ocon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ocon</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gasly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gasly</a> also come together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/I5UNIZG8Gw">pic.twitter.com/I5UNIZG8Gw</a>
— The Webb (@thewebbnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/thewebbnews/status/1794723104943657045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Trio crashed in opening lap</h2>

Magnussen's Haas had an abrupt start as his car hit Perez hard from behind which resulted in the Mexican’s Red Bull getting spun. This also resulted in Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas getting dragged in the crash who was speeding from the rare side of the two drivers. This left all three cars in disarray while the red flag was raised without any delay. All the cars were instructed to return to the base while the road was being cleared for the restart.

For the first piece of evidence, Magnussen looked to be the guilty party as he lost control of his car and caused the damage. However, at the time of writing he has avoided points deduction while it was also confirmed that there will be no further investigation into the opening-lap collision at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, Sergio Perez’s car was in no condition and was hanging on the sides of the Red Bull garage. The trio of Perez, Magnussen and Hulkenberg were also not part of the race anymore and were rushed to the hospital for mandatory medical check.

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<h2>Monaco GP’s unfortunate history</h2>

Monaco GP is known for its narrow turns and small track and has an unfortunate of history big clashes. Back in 1967, Lorenzo Bandini lost control of his Ferrari entering the harbour chicane. The car rolled over and burst into flames with Bandini trapped inside. Four minutes had passed before marshals pulled him out of the flaming car. Lorenzo was taken to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre with burns covering 70% of his body. Three days after the terrifying accident Lorenzo passed away.

In 2010, Fernando Alonso was fastest in practice 1 and practice 2 in the Monaco GP.&nbsp; He proceeded into a crash in practice 3, as a result, he couldn’t set a time for qualifying and started last. He lost 10 points to the nearest rival Sebastian Vettel that weekend. He would later lose the Formula One title by 4 points.

It was a chaotic start to the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday (May 26) as the huge collision in the opening lap stopped the eighth race of the Formula One 2024 season.

It was a chaotic start to the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday (May 26) as the huge collision in the opening lap stopped the eighth race of the Formula One 2024 season. A massive crash involving Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg in the opening lap resulted in the red flag thereby halting the start of the race. Interestingly, the crash adds to the unfortunate list of Monaco Grand Prix collisions that have made the headlines in the past. F1 MONACO GP : Red Flag 🚩 ! WATCH Huge Crash involving #Perez, #Magnussen, #Hulkenberg at first lap. Two #Alpine involving #ocon and #gasly also come together. #F1 pic.twitter.com/I5UNIZG8Gw — The Webb (@thewebbnews) May 26, 2024 × Trio crashed in opening lap Magnussen's Haas had an abrupt start as his car hit Perez hard from behind which resulted in the Mexican’s Red Bull getting spun. This also resulted in Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas getting dragged in the crash who was speeding from the rare side of the two drivers. This left all three cars in disarray while the red flag was raised without any delay. All the cars were instructed to return to the base while the road was being cleared for the restart. For the first piece of evidence, Magnussen looked to be the guilty party as he lost control of his car and caused the damage. However, at the time of writing he has avoided points deduction while it was also confirmed that there will be no further investigation into the opening-lap collision at the Monaco Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez’s car was in no condition and was hanging on the sides of the Red Bull garage. The trio of Perez, Magnussen and Hulkenberg were also not part of the race anymore and were rushed to the hospital for mandatory medical check. ALSO READ | French Open: Naomi Osaka off to winning start with first round win; likely to face Iga Swiatek in next round Monaco GP’s unfortunate history Monaco GP is known for its narrow turns and small track and has an unfortunate of history big clashes. Back in 1967, Lorenzo Bandini lost control of his Ferrari entering the harbour chicane. The car rolled over and burst into flames with Bandini trapped inside. Four minutes had passed before marshals pulled him out of the flaming car. Lorenzo was taken to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre with burns covering 70% of his body. Three days after the terrifying accident Lorenzo passed away. In 2010, Fernando Alonso was fastest in practice 1 and practice 2 in the Monaco GP. He proceeded into a crash in practice 3, as a result, he couldn’t set a time for qualifying and started last. He lost 10 points to the nearest rival Sebastian Vettel that weekend. He would later lose the Formula One title by 4 points.

Watch | Red flag in opening lap of Monaco GP; Perez, Magnussen and Hulkenberg involved in huge collision

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc snatched pole position at his home Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday as Max Verstappen could only finish sixth fastest.

The 26-year-old Monegasque driver, who has never managed a podium finish at his home race, clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.270 seconds to outpace Australian Oscar Piastri of McLaren&nbsp;by 0.154 seconds.

It brought Leclerc his third Monaco pole position and ended Verstappen's run of seven straight poles this year.

World championship leader Verstappen struggled for Red Bull.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and British driver Lando Norris of McLaren are on the second row on the narrow streets of the Principality, where overtaking is difficult. &nbsp;

Grid for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix after qualifying on Saturday:

Front row

Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari)

Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren)

2nd row

Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari)

Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren)

3rd row

George Russell (GBR/Mercedes)

Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull)

4th row

Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes)

Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/RB)

5th row

Alex Albon (THA/Williams)

Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine)

6th row

Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine)

Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Haas)

7th row

Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/RB)

Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin)

8th row

Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas)

Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin)

9th row

Logan Sargeant (USA/Williams)

Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull)

10th row

Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Sauber)

Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Sauber)

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc snatched pole position at his home Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday as Max Verstappen could only finish sixth fastest. The 26-year-old Monegasque driver, who has never managed a podium finish at his home race, clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc snatched pole position at his home Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday as Max Verstappen could only finish sixth fastest. The 26-year-old Monegasque driver, who has never managed a podium finish at his home race, clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.270 seconds to outpace Australian Oscar Piastri of McLaren by 0.154 seconds. It brought Leclerc his third Monaco pole position and ended Verstappen's run of seven straight poles this year. World championship leader Verstappen struggled for Red Bull. Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and British driver Lando Norris of McLaren are on the second row on the narrow streets of the Principality, where overtaking is difficult. Grid for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix after qualifying on Saturday: Front row Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren) 2nd row Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) 3rd row George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 4th row Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/RB) 5th row Alex Albon (THA/Williams) Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine) 6th row Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine) Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Haas) 7th row Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/RB) Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin) 8th row Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin) 9th row Logan Sargeant (USA/Williams) Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 10th row Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Sauber) Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Sauber)

Monaco Grand Prix: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc takes pole ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Verstappen sixth

Mexican Sergio Perez won a rain-delayed, crash-halted and ultimately nail-biting Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday as Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen finished third to stretch his Formula One lead over Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was second, for the second year in a row, with Leclerc an agonising fourth in his home race after starting on pole position but with his team outsmarted on strategy by Red Bull.

Mexican Sergio Perez won a rain-delayed, crash-halted and ultimately nail-biting Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday as Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen finished third to stretch his Formula One lead over Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc.

Mexican Sergio Perez won a rain-delayed, crash-halted and ultimately nail-biting Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday as Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen finished third to stretch his Formula One lead over Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was second, for the second year in a row, with Leclerc an agonising fourth in his home race after starting on pole position but with his team outsmarted on strategy by Red Bull.

Motor racing: Mexican Sergio Perez wins rain-delayed and red-flagged Monaco GP

With the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, coronavirus pandemic has slowed down this year's Formula One championship after the Dutch and Spanish have been postponed whereas Monaco Grand Prix organisers have called off the race.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-australian-grand-prix-cancelled-as-mclaren-team-member-tested-positive-for-covid-19-286014">Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19</a>

Earlier, Bahrain, Chinese and Vietnamese Grands Prix were postponed.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/season-opening-australian-f1-in-chaos-as-mclaren-pulls-out-285901" hreflang="en">Season-opening Australian F1 in chaos as McLaren pulls out</a>

The Dutch Grand Prix was set to return to the calendar year of the championship for the first time since 1985. The race was supposed to take place in Zandvoort circuit on May 1-3, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix.&nbsp;

Monaco Grand Prix has been cancelled as the organisers said that the situation was "no longer tenable". 
&nbsp; 
A statement from the race organisers, Automobile Club de Monaco read: "The current situation concerning the worldwide pandemic and its unknown path of evolution, the lack of understanding as to the impact on the FIA F1 World Championship 2020, the uncertainty with regards to the participation of the teams, the consequences with regards to the differing measures of confinement as taken by various governments worldwide, the multi-border restrictions for accessing the Principality of Monaco, the pressure on all implicated businesses, their dedicated staff who are unable to undertake the necessary installations, the availability of the indispensable workforce and volunteers (more than 1500) required for the success of the event means that the situation is no longer tenable.

They went on to apologise to the fans, spectators and partners for cancelling the much-awaited race of the year.&nbsp;

They said: "To all the fans, spectators, partners and our members, the Board of Directors wishes to express its sincere regrets that these two events cannot be postponed and under no circumstances, will it be possible to organize these events later this year."

If the global contagion continues to spread, it could lead to cancelling of the complete championship.

With the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, coronavirus pandemic has slowed down this year's Formula One championship after the Dutch and Spanish have been postponed whereas Monaco Grand Prix organisers have called off the race.

With the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, coronavirus pandemic has slowed down this year's Formula One championship after the Dutch and Spanish have been postponed whereas Monaco Grand Prix organisers have called off the race. Also read: Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19 Earlier, Bahrain, Chinese and Vietnamese Grands Prix were postponed. Also read: Season-opening Australian F1 in chaos as McLaren pulls out The Dutch Grand Prix was set to return to the calendar year of the championship for the first time since 1985. The race was supposed to take place in Zandvoort circuit on May 1-3, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix. Monaco Grand Prix has been cancelled as the organisers said that the situation was "no longer tenable". A statement from the race organisers, Automobile Club de Monaco read: "The current situation concerning the worldwide pandemic and its unknown path of evolution, the lack of understanding as to the impact on the FIA F1 World Championship 2020, the uncertainty with regards to the participation of the teams, the consequences with regards to the differing measures of confinement as taken by various governments worldwide, the multi-border restrictions for accessing the Principality of Monaco, the pressure on all implicated businesses, their dedicated staff who are unable to undertake the necessary installations, the availability of the indispensable workforce and volunteers (more than 1500) required for the success of the event means that the situation is no longer tenable. They went on to apologise to the fans, spectators and partners for cancelling the much-awaited race of the year. They said: "To all the fans, spectators, partners and our members, the Board of Directors wishes to express its sincere regrets that these two events cannot be postponed and under no circumstances, will it be possible to organize these events later this year." If the global contagion continues to spread, it could lead to cancelling of the complete championship.

F1: Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix postponed whereas Monaco race called off

Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, nursing his car's worn tyres to the finish in a nail-biting victory worthy of the team's late great Niki Lauda.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was runner-up, ending Mercedes's run of five successive one-two finishes, with Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas third.

Max Verstappen crossed the finish line second for Red Bull but dropped to fourth due to a five-second penalty imposed for an earlier unsafe release and collision with Bottas in the pitlane.

"That was definitely the hardest race I've had but nonetheless I really was fighting with the spirit of Niki," said Hamilton, who dived into the trackside swimming pool after the podium formalities.

"I know he will be looking down and taking his hat off. I was trying to stay focused and make him proud," he added of the Austrian, the triple world champion and Mercedes team's non-executive chairman, who died on Monday aged 70.

The five-times world champion, now leading Bottas by 17 points, and Verstappen finished under investigation after they banged wheels into the chicane following the tunnel exit two laps from the end.

The Briton, whose medium tyres were so worn by that point that he questioned the team's strategy, was forced to cut the corner.

"I don't know what you're thinking by keeping these tyres on man. You need to hope for a miracle," he had said earlier, keeping Verstappen -- on longer-lasting harder tyres -- behind him for lap after lap.

The miracle, with Hamilton wearing a red helmet with Lauda's name and colours while the car carried a variety of tributes, duly happened as if by the late champion's celestial command.

"That was an incredible drive. There was no one else who could have done that," Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles told him over the radio after he crossed the line.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had created much of the early excitement of an entertaining race but was also the sole retirement, stepping out of the car in the pits with just 19 laps gone.

The Monegasque, starting 16th, was up to 12th by the end of lap seven after overtaking McLaren's Lando Norris and Haas's Romain Grosjean at the hairpin and Rascasse.

The youngster, who had vowed to be aggressive after a Ferrari's strategy blunder messed up his qualifying, then paid the price when he tried the same move on Renault's Nico Hulkenberg at Rascasse.

Leclerc spun and picked up a right rear puncture, limping home to the pits on a rim and flailing rubber, losing a lap to the leaders and flinging out debris that led to a safety car period for marshals to sweep the track.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly finished fifth, with Carlos Saiunz sixth for McLaren followed by Toro Rosso pairing Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon.

Renault's Daniel Ricciardo, last year's winner for Red Bull, was ninth and Romain Grosjean collected the final point for Haas.

Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, nursing his car's worn tyres to the finish in a nail-biting victory worthy of the team's late great Niki Lauda.

Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, nursing his car's worn tyres to the finish in a nail-biting victory worthy of the team's late great Niki Lauda. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was runner-up, ending Mercedes's run of five successive one-two finishes, with Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas third. Max Verstappen crossed the finish line second for Red Bull but dropped to fourth due to a five-second penalty imposed for an earlier unsafe release and collision with Bottas in the pitlane. "That was definitely the hardest race I've had but nonetheless I really was fighting with the spirit of Niki," said Hamilton, who dived into the trackside swimming pool after the podium formalities. "I know he will be looking down and taking his hat off. I was trying to stay focused and make him proud," he added of the Austrian, the triple world champion and Mercedes team's non-executive chairman, who died on Monday aged 70. The five-times world champion, now leading Bottas by 17 points, and Verstappen finished under investigation after they banged wheels into the chicane following the tunnel exit two laps from the end. The Briton, whose medium tyres were so worn by that point that he questioned the team's strategy, was forced to cut the corner. "I don't know what you're thinking by keeping these tyres on man. You need to hope for a miracle," he had said earlier, keeping Verstappen -- on longer-lasting harder tyres -- behind him for lap after lap. The miracle, with Hamilton wearing a red helmet with Lauda's name and colours while the car carried a variety of tributes, duly happened as if by the late champion's celestial command. "That was an incredible drive. There was no one else who could have done that," Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles told him over the radio after he crossed the line. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had created much of the early excitement of an entertaining race but was also the sole retirement, stepping out of the car in the pits with just 19 laps gone. The Monegasque, starting 16th, was up to 12th by the end of lap seven after overtaking McLaren's Lando Norris and Haas's Romain Grosjean at the hairpin and Rascasse. The youngster, who had vowed to be aggressive after a Ferrari's strategy blunder messed up his qualifying, then paid the price when he tried the same move on Renault's Nico Hulkenberg at Rascasse. Leclerc spun and picked up a right rear puncture, limping home to the pits on a rim and flailing rubber, losing a lap to the leaders and flinging out debris that led to a safety car period for marshals to sweep the track. Red Bull's Pierre Gasly finished fifth, with Carlos Saiunz sixth for McLaren followed by Toro Rosso pairing Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon. Renault's Daniel Ricciardo, last year's winner for Red Bull, was ninth and Romain Grosjean collected the final point for Haas.

Lewis Hamilton wins Monaco Grand Prix in the spirit of Lauda

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