F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2023 LIVE! Race stream, updates and latest news today
One of the most iconic events of the sporting calendar takes place today as Formula One races around the streets of Monaco. Max Verstappen is on pole position as he looks to continue his march towards a third F1 world title in a row, aided by his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez crashing out in qualifying.
Fernando Alonso will be right on the Dutchman’s tail off the line however after putting his Aston Martin second on the grid, ahead of Esteban Ocon after some surpising pace from the Alpine over the weekend so far. Charles Leclerc starts sixth after a three-place grid penalty.
There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon to shake up what already promises to be a fascinating race, although overtaking has always been a tricky one around these narrow streets. Follow the Monaco Grand Prix live via Standard Sport’s race blog, featuring expert analysis from Matt Majendie in the principality.
Live updates
Lap 8/78
No further action for Russell after his starting position was checked by stewards.
He’s running eighth behind Gasly in a bit of a train forming up behind Ocon in third.
Lap 6/78
Hulkenberg handed a five-second time penalty for his contact with Sargeant during the first lap, replays showing Stroll’s issue came when diving down the outside of Albon at the hairpin when there was simply no room.
The Haas is already last after a ten-second pit stop for repairs following the incident.
George Russell under investigation
An incorrect starting position for the Mercedes is being checked by stewards.
Lap 3/78
Verstappen already has 1.6 seconds over Alonso, who has around the same advantage on Ocon.
DRS turns on and that’s good news for Leclerc, with the Ferrari all over the back of Hamilton in the fight for fifth.
Lap 2/78
“Damage and a puncture,” Stroll reports as he and Hulkenberg pit.
Zhou and Perez too, likely for Hards to run to the end.
Lap 1/78
Alonso slots in behind Verstappen at the start as the Dutchman leads through Sainte Devote. Ocon has a look down the inside but no dice as we run through without any major contact.
But Hulkenberg launches one into Stroll at Mirabeau and the back markers squeeze right up at the hairpin!
LIGHTS OUT!
We have 78 laps of racing ahead of us with Max Verstappen on pole position ahead of Fernando Alonso…
And they’re off!
Surprise choice by Aston Martin
Hard tyres on the Spaniard’s car with a different strategy to pole-sitter Max Verstappen, who’s on Mediums.
Lewis Hamilton also on Mediums unlike Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell.
Formation lap
Time to see who is starting on what tyres for the grand prix as the tyre blankets are pulled off.
Five-minute warning!
Buckle up… it’s almost time for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix.