Lance Stroll Penalized for Collision with Charles Leclerc During Monaco GP Practice
In a dramatic start to the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has been handed a one-place grid penalty for causing a collision with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the first practice session. The incident occurred at the tight hairpin turn, resulting in significant damage to both cars and a temporary red flag as debris was cleared from the track .
Leclerc, competing in his home race, suffered a broken front wing, while Stroll’s car sustained rear suspension damage. Despite the setback, Leclerc managed to top the session with a time of 1:11.964, narrowly edging out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris .
The stewards reviewed the incident and found Stroll fully responsible for the collision. As a result, he received a one-place grid penalty and a penalty point on his super license. Stroll claimed he did not hear his team’s warning about Leclerc’s approach, but the stewards emphasized the driver’s responsibility to be aware of oncoming traffic .
This incident adds to the challenges faced by Ferrari, as they aim to capitalize on Leclerc’s strong performance in practice. The team has been striving to improve their competitiveness, particularly in low-speed corners, which are prevalent on the Monaco circuit .
As the weekend progresses, teams will be focusing on refining their setups and strategies to navigate the unique demands of the Monaco Grand Prix. With limited overtaking opportunities on the narrow street circuit, qualifying performance and race strategy will be crucial in determining the outcome of the race