The F3 Championship heads to Monaco for Round 4 of the 2025 season, marking the centrepiece of the triple-header stretch. This iconic 3.337km street circuit presents a unique challenge, demanding utmost precision from drivers as they navigate its narrow confines and unforgiving barriers.
With Overtaking Opportunities Scarce, Qualifying Performance Becomes of Utmost Importance
Championship leader Rafael Câmara aims to extend his advantage, having secured pole position in each of the first three rounds. However, the streets of Monaco have a history of upsets.
Qualifying: The Decisive Factor
In Monaco, qualifying is split into two groups to manage traffic on the tight circuit. A random draw determines the running order, with Group A hitting the track at 11:05 local time on Friday, followed by Group B at 11:29. The fastest driver overall secures pole position, with the rest of the grid alternating between the groups based on lap times.
Historically, securing pole in Monaco has been a strong predictor of race success. Gabriele Minì demonstrated this by converting pole positions into Feature Race victories in both 2023 and 2024.
Given the circuit’s layout, starting at the front is often the best, if not the only, path to victory.
READ MORE: 2025 Monaco GP Preview: The Grid Heads On to Round Eight
Key Overtaking Opportunities
While overtaking is notoriously difficult in Monaco, certain sections offer possibilities for the daring:
Grand Hotel Hairpin at Turn 6: The slowest corner on the calendar, it´s one of the few spots where drivers might attempt a pass, especially on the opening lap when the field is bunched up.
Nouvelle Chicane at Turn 10: After the tunnel, this downhill braking zone can be a place for bold moves, though the risk of contact is high due to the narrow track and bumpy surface.
La Rascasse at Turn 18: While not a traditional overtaking spot, drivers have occasionally squeezed through here, requiring cooperation from the car being overtaken.
Drivers to Watch
Leading the championship and with a streak of pole positions, Câmara´s qualifying performance will be decisive in Monaco.
Coming off a Feature Race win in Imola, Ramos carries momentum into Monaco and will be looking to challenge for another podium.
The only driver on the current grid with a previous win in Monaco, Tsolov‘s experience could prove invaluable on this challenging circuit.
Pirelli has selected the soft compound for Monaco, a fitting choice for the slowest circuit on the calendar. With minimal lateral and longitudinal forces acting on the tyres, degradation is moderate despite the compound´s softness.
In 2024, drivers began to experience graining on both the front and rear axles after eight laps, causing a slight dip in performance.
While overtaking remains a challenge, the smaller footprint of F3 cars compared to their F1 and F2 counterparts makes passing marginally more feasible.
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Weekend Schedule
Local time: UTC/BST +2
Thursday, May 23: Practice (45 Min) at 13:10
Friday, May 24:
Qualifying Group A (16 Min) at 11:05
Qualifying Group B (16 Min) at 11:29
Saturday, May 25: Sprint Race (23 Laps – 40 Min + 1 Lap) at 10:45
Sunday, May 26: Feature Race (27 Laps – 45 Min + 1 Lap) at 08:00
The crown jewel of the #F3 season 👑💎
We couldn’t wait to get started in Monaco — so we’re hitting the streets a day early! 😉#MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/2iw5YJbJTP
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) May 21, 2025
As the F3 grid tackles the storied streets of Monaco, precision and composure will be the key to success. With the championship battle heating up, expect a thrilling weekend of racing in the heart of the Principality.
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 22.05.2025
