Ferrari Shines, Red Bull Struggles & McLaren’s Cooling Secret: Shocks in Monaco 2025

Friday practice at Monaco is always intense — one mistake and you're in the wall. But what nobody saw coming? Charles Leclerc topping the timing sheets in front of his home crowd.

He didn’t expect much, Ferrari didn’t expect much, yet here they are: 1st and 3rd on a day when most expected Red Bull or McLaren dominance. But should we believe the hype, or is it a classic Monaco mirage?

🔍 What Made Ferrari Fast?

Despite pessimism from Leclerc and Ferrari before the weekend, their car looked dialed in around the tight streets of Monte Carlo. As Mark Hughes explained, Ferrari’s strength comes from:

• Monaco's consistent corner speeds, which reduce Ferrari’s ride-height weaknesses.

• Aggressive tire and engine mode strategies during FP2.

• Leclerc’s laser focus on pole position, just like in 2021.

But Ferrari might’ve gone all-in on setup and engine performance just for Friday. That could mean they're vulnerable if others improve.

🛑 Red Bull: A Bumpy Ride So Far

Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda were stuck in 10th and 11th. Verstappen complained about traffic and poor balance, especially after an FP2 setup change.

Red Bull often bounces back with overnight factory tweaks, but Friday’s problems seem more genuine this time. Their usual pattern of a weak Friday and strong Saturday may not be enough.

🧠 McLaren: The Under-the-Radar Threat

McLaren looked solid, with both cars quick and Oscar Piastri recovering from a Turn 1 crash. But the real story? Their advanced cooling system.

Andrea Stella revealed that McLaren runs remarkably small cooling vents compared to rivals. This enhances aerodynamic efficiency and might explain their strong pace in hot conditions.

🧪 Strategy Chaos: Tire Games & Sunday Shenanigans

Monaco's unique conditions already set the stage for unpredictability, but throw in the tire situation and you’ve got fireworks loading:

• Teams are split on whether to start on the C5 (soft) or C6 (extra soft) compound.

• 13 drivers have already used a hard tire — reducing Sunday flexibility.

• Two drivers (including Norris and Hamilton) have burned two sets of mediums.

• If a red flag hits mid-race, those who gamble on softs early could get a free tire switch, while hard-starters could be in trouble.

🔚 Conclusion: Classic Monaco… with a Twist

Ferrari leads unexpectedly, Red Bull looks rattled, McLaren quietly efficient — and strategy is anyone’s guess. If Friday taught us anything, it’s that pole position will decide everything — and we could be heading into a dramatic three-way fight between Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.

Get ready for a chaotic Saturday qualifying and a potentially wild Sunday in the Principality.