Alpine Race Preview: Monaco Grand Prix 2025

Round 8: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship
Circuit de Monaco, Monte-Carlo
Race Date: Sunday, May 25

The Formula 1 calendar arrives in Monte-Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the sport’s most iconic and demanding events. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, the tight, twisting layout of the street circuit is unlike anything else in motorsport. For the BWT Alpine F1 Team, this weekend represents a high-stakes opportunity to turn promising pace into results with the A525.

 

Lessons from Imola

Last weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix offered signs of progress. Both Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto showed encouraging performance in the A525, even if the final standings didn’t reflect their true pace. The team gathered extensive data, highlighting strengths across various stints—especially in one-lap speed and mid-race tyre performance.

“There were some good things from the weekend in Imola,” reflected Gasly. “Not everything ran smoothly but we will aim to take what we learned into Monaco.”

Franco, returning to the cockpit for his first Grand Prix of the season, adapted quickly. A mistake in Qualifying ultimately limited his chances, but the young Argentine handled his race with maturity, showing consistent pace and control.

“It was a tough weekend but not without its positives,” said Colapinto. “I got more and more comfortable in the car as the weekend progressed. We learned a lot as a team.”

A Track Like No Other

The Circuit de Monaco is a test of nerve, precision, and rhythm. With barriers lining every corner and overtaking virtually impossible, success is defined by Qualifying performance and flawless execution. This year’s race introduces an extra layer of unpredictability, a mandatory two-stop pit strategy:

"For the Monaco race, each driver must use at least three different types of tyre (either dry or wet). If a driver does not use intermediate or wet tyres in the race, they must use at least two different slick tyre compounds, of which one must be from the mandatory dry compounds (Hard or Medium)."
- F1 Sporting Regulations

Strategy could play a larger role than usual, offering teams like Alpine opportunities to disrupt the order.

Pierre Gasly: Qualifying is Key

Gasly arrives in Monaco eager to translate his strong one-lap form into a meaningful result. He’s no stranger to the complexities of Monte-Carlo, where confidence and commitment make the difference.

“I had a good feeling in the car over one lap especially and we know that is so important in Monaco. You need to be absolutely perfect on every lap—it’s one of the most difficult tracks of the year.”

With overtaking limited, starting position is everything. Gasly’s focus is clear: break into the top 10 and stay in the fight for points.

“Our target is to definitely be in the top-10 which will put us in the best position for points during the race on Sunday. The two-stop rule could make things more exciting, and hopefully play to our advantage.”

Franco Colapinto: Embracing the Challenge

Franco heads to Monaco for his second race weekend of the year—this time at a track that leaves no room for error. But with a clean run at Imola now behind him, he’s ready to push forward.

“It is one of the toughest circuits for overtaking, with no margin for error,” Colapinto said. “I’m looking forward to building confidence and continuing to develop with the team.”

The Argentine will take a methodical approach—using practice to grow comfortable with the car’s setup in tight conditions before building pace into Qualifying.

What to Watch This Weekend

• Franco Colapinto’s progression in one of F1’s most technical environments
• Pierre Gasly’s Qualifying form, which could be key to Alpine’s race outcome
• Strategic unpredictability due to the new mandatory two-stop rule
• Continued evaluation of the A525 as Alpine refines its mid-season development.

Monaco Grand Prix Fast Facts

• First Grand Prix: 1950
• Circuit Length: 3.337 km
• Race Distance: 78 laps / 260.286 km
• Lap Record: 1:12.909 (Lewis Hamilton, 2021)

The Monaco Grand Prix is a unique challenge—both mechanically and mentally. Every lap is a balancing act between aggression and control. For Alpine, it’s an opportunity to take a step forward and fight for a strong finish on motorsport’s most glamorous stage.

Trak Racer Proudly Supporting the Journey

As the Official Racing Simulator Supplier of the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Trak Racer is proud to play a part in preparing Pierre and Franco for the demands of Monaco. With simulation playing a crucial role in setup and driver confidence.

Explore the same simulator technology trusted by Alpine. Only at trakracer.com

Images are courtesy of the BWT Alpine Formula One team