Monaco GP Qualifying: Charles Leclerc edges out Oscar Piastri to take pole for Ferrari at his home race
Charles Leclerc secured pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix ahead of Oscar Piastri, with world championship leader Max Verstappen only managing sixth place.
Leclerc under pressure
Going into the session, Leclerc was the favourite after topping both second and third practice. However, the Ferrari driver still needed to deliver under massive pressure at his home race and did so with a stunning lap of 1:10.270.
McLaren’s Piastri has also shown impressive form throughout the weekend and will join Leclerc on the front row.
Verstappen’s struggles
Red Bull’s Verstappen, who is seeking a record ninth successive pole position, will start between the two Mercedes cars.
Verstappen, who was denied a ninth successive pole after hitting a wall at the first corner on his final flying lap, was also struggling with the handling of his Red Bull throughout practice.
Red Bull woes
Red Bull’s woes were furthered by Sergio Perez making a surprise exit in the first part of the session, leaving the Mexican with little hope of scoring significant points on Sunday from 18th on the grid.
Rise of the underdogs
The chief beneficiaries of the early exits of Perez and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso were Yuki Tsunoda, Albon, and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who produced strong performances to round out the top 10.
Leclerc’s quest for victory
Leclerc will come under renewed pressure on Sunday to win at home for the first time, having failed to do so in 2021 and 2022 despite claiming pole position.
The 26-year-old’s bad luck around his home track has led to many suggesting he has a ‘curse’ at the famous street circuit.
So will Leclerc break the cycle this Sunday? Only time will tell.
Divya 
Mehek