Monaco Grand Prix 2022 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sergio Perez claimed his third career victory with a masterful performance at the Monaco Grand Prix, capitalizing on Ferrari's strategic blunder that cost Charles Leclerc a likely win at his home race. The Red Bull driver controlled the closing stages after Ferrari's disastrous decision to pit Leclerc from the lead under wet conditions, handing victory to Perez. Carlos Sainz finished second for Ferrari, with Max Verstappen completing the podium in third despite starting from fourth on the grid.

Leclerc had taken pole position and led the early stages, dreaming of becoming the first Monegasque driver to win his home Grand Prix. However, when rain began to fall late in the race, Ferrari made a catastrophic strategy error. They brought Leclerc in for intermediate tires just as the track was drying, forcing him to pit again for slicks on the following lap. The double pit stop dropped him from first to fourth, destroying his victory hopes and continuing his heartbreaking curse at Monaco. Team radio captured Leclerc's frustration and disbelief at the decision that cost him the win.

The race featured multiple incidents in challenging wet-dry conditions, including a first-lap collision that eliminated both Mick Schumacher and Haas after they made contact in the tunnel section. Lando Norris set the fastest lap but finished outside the points. Perez's victory was perfectly executed, managing his pace and tires expertly to secure Red Bull's fifth consecutive win. The result extended Verstappen's championship lead to nine points over Leclerc, while Ferrari's strategy howler raised serious questions about their race execution under pressure.