Shock Winners and F1 Fumbles: Monaco GP 2024 Driver Ratings

Sunday's Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix may not have been the thrill we hoped for, but it followed an electrifying qualifying session that set the stage for an unforgettable weekend. The undisputed star? Home hero Charles Leclerc, who led from start to finish, finally snagging his first Monaco victory after years of heartbreak.

Leclerc’s Long-Awaited Triumph

Charles Leclerc’s dominant performance was anything but a surprise to those following his pace during practice and qualifying. Taking pole position was just a precursor to his spectacular race day. It was a story of redemption for the Monegasque driver who had previously suffered agonizingly close but unsuccessful attempts at Monaco. This time, the stars aligned perfectly, allowing him to fulfill a childhood dream ignited by his late father.

Leclerc ruled the streets of Monte Carlo on race day, maintaining his pole position despite immense pressure. His flawless execution earned him the highest rating of the weekend—a perfect 10.

Carlos Sainz: The Reliable Wingman

Carlos Sainz’s weekend wasn’t as straightforward. Lagging behind Leclerc in early practice sessions, Sainz made a commendable recovery to secure third place in qualifying. Ruled by determination, his calculated performance on Sunday kept rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at bay, thus ensuring a team victory for Ferrari. A well-deserved rating of 7 for the Spaniard.

The Rise of Oscar Piastri

McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri was the revelation of the GP, almost overshadowing his more celebrated teammate, Lando Norris. Snagging a front-row start and maintaining second place, Piastri showed nerves of steel despite contact-induced damage early in the race. An impressive 8 for the young Australian.

Lando Norris: Holding Steady

Though Lando Norris wasn’t the star of the McLaren garage this weekend, his performance was far from disappointing. Solid yet unspectacular, he finished the race exactly where he started—fourth. A respectable 7 for the ever-consistent Norris.

George Russell: Managing Expectations

George Russell pulled out all the stops in a season where Mercedes has often floundered. Qualifying fifth and holding that position to the end highlighted his skill in tire management and race strategy. A commendable performance earning a 6.5.

Lewis Hamilton: What Went Wrong?

Lewis Hamilton’s weekend started with promise but ended with frustration. Unable to translate practice speed into qualifying results, he managed only seventh place on race day. Miscommunication with his team further marred his performance, leading to a weekend best forgotten. A disappointing rating of 5 for the seven-time world champion.

Max Verstappen: Human After All

It was a rare off-day for Max Verstappen. Struggling with his car’s behavior and making an error during qualifying, he ended the race in sixth place—a humbling outcome for the reigning champion. Even then, his candid humor over team radio provided some levity. A modest 6.5 for Verstappen.

Sergio Perez: A Weekend to Forget

Sergio Perez’s early season promise seems a distant memory after a disastrous Monaco outing. Failing to make it past Q1 and getting taken out by Kevin Magnussen’s overzealous driving, Perez had a weekend to forget. A rating of 3 reflects his unfortunate race.

Yuki Tsunoda: Consistent and Impressive

Yuki Tsunoda continued to shine, qualifying eighth and finishing in the same spot. His consistent performance shows growth and maturity, earning him an 8 this weekend.

Daniel Ricciardo: A Step Behind

Daniel Ricciardo’s dream of a Red Bull return seems increasingly unlikely as he continues to struggle for consistency. Qualifying 12th and finishing in the same spot highlighted his ongoing struggles compared to teammate Tsunoda. A middling 5 for Ricciardo.

Alex Albon: The Underdog

Williams driver Alex Albon seized an opportunity presented by others’ misfortune to score a valuable ninth place. His ability to convert potential into performance earned him an 8.

Logan Sargeant: On the Edge

Logan Sargeant’s 15th-place finish in both qualifying and the race brings into question his future with Williams. He needs to start matching Albon’s level of performance soon. A 4 for the American rookie.

Pierre Gasly: Clutch Performer

Pierre Gasly managed to deliver for Alpine, converting a solid qualifying into a 10th-place race finish. His consistency and composure earned him a rating of 7.

Esteban Ocon: Risky Business

Esteban Ocon’s aggressive maneuver on Lap 1 jeopardized his and his teammate’s race, resulting in a disappointing DNF. His off-day earns a lowly 1.

Fernando Alonso: Not His Weekend

Fernando Alonso struggled with traffic and an underperforming car, finishing 11th after qualifying 14th. Far below his usual standards, he earns a 6.

Lance Stroll: Squandered Opportunity

Lance Stroll out-qualified Alonso but failed to capitalize, finishing 14th. His weekend was marred by missed opportunities and minor mistakes, earning him a 4.

Valtteri Bottas: Making the Best of It

Despite a lackluster car, Valtteri Bottas managed to finish 13th after starting 17th. Given the circumstances, a rating of 6 seems justified.

Zhou Guanyu: A Weekend to Forget

Zhou Guanyu’s struggles mirrored his team’s dismal performance, finishing last of the finishers. A 4 reflects his tough weekend.

Nico Hulkenberg: Misfortune Strikes

Nico Hulkenberg’s promising start turned sour after Haas’ disqualification and a Lap 1 collision. His weekend ended prematurely, earning him a 6.

Kevin Magnussen: Overzealous and Penalized

Kevin Magnussen’s eagerness led to a costly collision, marking a rough weekend for the Haas driver. His actions earn him a 3.