The 2021 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying has come to a close and the results are in. Red Bull dominated the streets of Monte Carlo like no other team in recent memory, taking pole position and the two spots directly behind it. Max Verstappen put in a dominant qualifying performance to take pole position for the race, with teammate Sergio Perez finishing in second. The two Red Bull drivers were followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo rounding out the top five.
Verstappen’s pole position was his first at the Monaco Grand Prix and the first for Red Bull since 2013. The Dutch driver put in a perfect lap, setting the fastest time on the first and second sectors, before taking pole with a time of 1:10.266, 0.196 seconds ahead of his teammate Perez. It was a perfect start for Red Bull, whose cars were on the pace all weekend.
Leclerc’s third-place finish was a surprise for Ferrari, whose cars had not been expected to challenge for pole. However, the Monegasque driver drove a brilliant lap to put his car on the front row, 0.686 seconds behind Verstappen. Norris and Ricciardo also put in solid performances to complete the top five, while reigning champion Lewis Hamilton could only manage sixth.
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Verstappen Dominates Qualifying
Verstappen’s pole position was the result of a perfect lap. He was the fastest on the first and second sectors, and then put in a brilliant final lap to take pole. Verstappen was 0.196 seconds ahead of his teammate Perez, while Leclerc was a further 0.490 seconds behind in third. It was a dominant performance from the Dutchman, who looks set to challenge for the win on Sunday.
Ferrari Surprise
Ferrari’s third-place finish was a surprise, as the team had not been expected to challenge for pole. However, Leclerc put in a great lap to take third and put his car on the front row. It was a welcome result for the team, who have struggled for most of the season. It will be interesting to see how the team performs in the race on Sunday.
Red Bull’s Pace
Red Bull’s performance in qualifying was a clear indication of their pace all weekend. The team had been fastest in both practice sessions, and their cars looked to be on the pace all weekend. It looks likely that they will be the team to beat on Sunday, with Verstappen and Perez on the front row and Ricciardo and Norris in the top five.
The 2021 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying has come to a close, and Red Bull have put themselves in an excellent position for the race on Sunday. Verstappen put in a dominant performance to take pole, with his teammate Perez finishing in second. Leclerc’s third-place finish was a surprise, while Norris and Ricciardo rounded out the top five. It looks set to be an exciting race on Sunday, and Red Bull will be the team to beat.
