MONACO GRAND PRIX TIPS: LECLERC TO BRING IT HOME
It is time for one of the most iconic events in sport: the Monaco Grand Prix.
All eyes are on the principality as the world’s best drivers tackle the famous, challenging Monte Carlo track that can catch anyone out at a moment’s notice.
Some of the most famous moments in Formula One have taken place here and home hope Charles Leclerc is chasing a historic second win here after success in 2024 and narrowly missing out last year.
Last year’s winner and defending champion, Lando Norris, will have something to say about that, as will many others, as the sport heads to the Riviera.
Tip 1 – Charles Leclerc to win the Monaco GP @ 37/20
One of only two Monegasque drivers to win his home Grand Prix, Leclerc will be looking to replicate his 2024 success here for Ferrari.
A second win here in three years would be a first victory of the season for the man in third place in the standings and, though a lot depends on qualifying in this one, the 28-year-old will be roared on by the famous Monaco crowd.
Odds of 37/20 for a Leclerc win make him favourite while Ferrari already has four podium finishes this year – they had just seven in the whole of 2025.
Mercedes pair Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are first and second in the standings and a victory would see Leclerc put on some pressure as we enter the European stretch of the season.
Antonneli was the last-placed finisher here last season, some three laps behind winner Norris.
Ferrari has had just two winners here since Michael Schumacher in 2001 and Leclerc bringing it home would certainly be a memorable moment as he looks to keep up his strong recent record at home.
Tip 2 – Under 18.5 finishers @ Evens
The tight, tricky streets of Monte Carlo make for one of the most famous sights in motorsport – and one wrong move can see you out, taking others with you for good measure.
Just finishing this one can be a challenge in itself and we’re backing that at least a couple of drivers won’t manage it.
You have to go back to 2019 for the last race with 19 or more classified finishers and that’s the exact line we’re backing here… but under it.
Even without any rain this weekend, the nature of the track lends itself to a bit of chaos and all it takes is the slightest mistake.
Evens for under 18.5 drivers to finish the race stands out here as a good value pick.
Tip 3 – Lando Norris to finish in the top three @ 23/20
The 2025 drivers champion, Norris has had a mixed start to the season and retired last time out in Canada having previously failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix.
Yet, despite that, he sits fifth in the standings after a second-place finish in Miami and two fifth spots to boot.
We’re backing him for a second podium appearance of the season on the track he was victorious at last year.
It would be a third podium here for the Englishman, who was third at Monte Carlo in 2021 and three seconds clear of everyone in 2025.
Faults with the car have been the main issue so far for Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri but, should they steer clear of issues, then a strong performance could be on the cards here.
Norris had qualified in second spot in Canada before electrical issues forced his withdrawal and a similar place on the grid here would go a long way to securing some solid championship points – should the car hold up.
It’s 23/20 for the defending champion to finish in the top three.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
