The grid for the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix underwent a major shake-up in tabloid format on Saturday night. Both Haas Formula 1 cars, driven by Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, were disqualified from qualifying results. The team did not properly consider the impact of a rear wing update, which violated regulations regarding the size of DRS wing openings. As a result, their cars were excluded from the race and will have to start from the pit lane.
On the other hand, Carlos Sainz, who qualified in third place, avoided any penalties in a trackside stewards’ investigation into an alleged obstruction of Alex Albon. Officials determined that Sainz had received sufficient warning from Ferrari and made efforts to avoid delaying the Williams car. This means that Ferrari now occupies the first and third positions on the grid, with Charles Leclerc securing pole position for the third time in his F1 race at home. Leclerc has shown impressive speed throughout practice sessions and has a great opportunity to finally achieve a long-awaited victory in Monaco.
Meanwhile, championship leader Max Verstappen will start in sixth place, exposing a performance weakness in the Red Bull team as the competition heats up. Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, had a disappointing qualifying session, finishing in 18th place. However, the disqualification of the Haas cars allowed Perez to move up two positions on the grid. Another surprise in the first qualifying session was Fernando Alonso’s early exit, but he also benefits from the Haas exclusions, moving up from 16th to 14th place.
The revised grid for the race is as follows:
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
4. Lando Norris (McLaren)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
8. Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
9. Alex Albon (Williams)
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
11. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
12. Daniel Ricciardo (RB)
13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
14. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
15. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
16. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
17. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)
18. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)
Pit: Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
Pit: Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
