F1 Monaco GP: Lewis Hamilton optimistic with alternative tire strategy in Monte Carlo. Lewis Hamilton starts fourth in the Monaco GP and highlights a different tire strategy.

Once again, McLaren secures pole position while Lewis Hamilton sets the fourth fastest time in Monaco GP qualifying.

It was a particularly hard-fought qualifying session at the Monaco GP: up until the final minute of Q3, McLaren had to fend off challenges from Ferrari and Verstappen’s Red Bull, but in the end, Lando Norris still managed to snatch pole position from Charles Leclerc. It was a strong performance from Ferrari nonetheless, especially for the Monegasque driver who, after dominating all three free practice sessions, managed to clinch second place on the grid. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton – who was involved in an impeding incident with Max Verstappen in Q1 – qualified in fourth position, but will start from seventh due to a grid penalty. Meanwhile, it was a disaster for Mercedes, both cars being eliminated at the end of Q1.

Lewis Hamilton’s words
In these early stages of the Monaco Grand Prix, there has clearly been a step forward in Ferrari’s performance. In the days leading up to the weekend, both team principal Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton had hinted at new ideas and solutions that the SF-25 would bring to this eighth round of the season – and it seems they may have paid off. After qualifying, Lewis Hamilton shared his hopes regarding strategy for the race.

“I honestly don’t know how things will go tomorrow in terms of strategy,” said the seven-time world champion. “Last year we had a safety car in the early laps and then just formed a train for the rest of the race: it was a very boring GP, so I’m glad we’ll have two stops tomorrow.

As for tire choice, I’ve opted for two sets of hard tires, while Charles has gone for two sets of mediums. I hope that can make a bit of a difference. But we’ll see tomorrow when we play our cards.”