Monaco Grand Prix 2021 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen claimed a crucial victory at the Monaco Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc's heartbreaking weekend ended before it began, while Lewis Hamilton endured a disastrous race that saw him finish outside the points. The result marked a significant shift in momentum in the championship battle, with Verstappen extending his points lead on the streets of Monte Carlo.

Leclerc secured a sensational pole position for Ferrari, becoming the first Monegasque driver to achieve the feat at his home race. However, his joy turned to despair when Ferrari discovered a driveshaft issue on the reconnaissance lap to the grid, forcing him to withdraw without starting the race. This handed Verstappen an unexpected pole position, which he converted into a controlled victory despite constant pressure from a train of cars behind. The Dutchman managed his pace perfectly on the narrow street circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult.

Carlos Sainz secured his maiden podium for Ferrari in second place, while Lando Norris completed the top three for McLaren. Hamilton's weekend was a nightmare - qualifying seventh after a crash in Q3, he gambled on starting on hard tires but the strategy backfired spectacularly. Unable to make progress and stuck behind Pierre Gasly for most of the race, Hamilton eventually finished seventh, scoring just six points. The result extended Verstappen's championship lead to four points and demonstrated that the title fight would be unpredictable and fiercely contested throughout the season.