Jack Leslie F1: 2015 Monaco Grand Prix In Pictures

A strategy mix-up handed Nico Rosberg his third consecutive Monaco Grand Prix victory, with Lewis Hamilton dropping to third after a late pit stop.

It took a little while to come alive, but the final part of the race was packed full of drama. Here is the race weekend in stunning pictures.

The Circuit de Monaco always produces unique and beautiful images. All of the pictures featured in this article are courtesy of Octane Photographic.

Thursday

Rosberg was the first driver to push a little too hard around the streets of Monaco, gently hitting the barrier at Tabac in FP1. His car was not damaged and he continued without any issues.

Hamilton set the pace in the opening practice session, which kicked off in damp conditions after rain showers.

Max Verstappen tackled Monaco for the first time and immediately made an impact, finishing third quickest in FP1.

McLaren showed off improved pace in first practice, with Fernando Alonso 10th and Jenson Button - despite a delayed start - in 12th.

Hamilton was fastest once again in second practice, but limited running took place due to rain.

Drivers spent a considerable amount of time in their garages, only re-appearing in the final 10 minutes.

Saturday

Following a day off, the F1 field returned to action on Saturday morning. Third and final practice proved to be a very busy session.

With little running in FP2, final practice was a crucial one, in order for teams and drivers to complete final preparations for qualifying and the race.

A late improvement saw Sebastian Vettel go quickest in FP3 for Ferrari, with Rosberg and Hamilton second and third.

Qualifying took place in dry conditions, with Felipe Nasr being the first driver to be eliminated in Q1. He was joined by Valtteri Bottas, Marcus Ericsson, Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi.

A late off for Rosberg brought out the yellow flags, causing Button to miss out on a spot in Q3. He was eliminated in 12th place, behind Romain Grosjean and ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton stormed to pole position, just beating Rosberg. Vettel was third, followed by Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat.

Raikkonen slipped to sixth, with Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz Jr, Pastor Maldonado and Max Verstappen completing the top 10.

Sunday

Hamilton held onto the lead at the start of the race, with Vettel failing to get past Rosberg and just holding off the two Red Bull drivers.

Massa and Hulkenberg made contact at the exit of the first corner, causing the former to pit for repairs.

However, Hulkenberg also had to pit at the end of the first lap, after contact with Alonso pitched him into the wall at Mirabeau.

Ricciardo lost a place to Kvyat on the first lap, and slowly dropped away from his team-mate in the early stages.

Sainz Jr started from the pit lane after missing a FIA weighbridge call in qualifying. He had to make progress early on and soon passed the two Manor drivers.

Alonso battled early on with Nasr, having qualified 15th after his car stopped in qualifying. He would later exit the race with more reliability problems.

The midfield battle was close, although overtaking was typically difficult in Monaco.

Hamilton quickly established a comfortable lead and continued to extend his advantage through the first two stints.

Verstappen suffered a slow pit stop, which put him back in the pack. As he tried to recover, he his Grosjean and hit the wall hard, bringing out the safety car.

Mercedes pitted Hamilton, but a miscalculation meant he emerged behind Rosberg and Vettel, giving his team-mate the lead.

Rosberg took the chequered flag well clear of Vettel to win his third consecutive Monaco Grand Prix. It was also the first time in his career than he had won back-to-back races.

Hamilton was clearly frustrated in third place, with Kvyat, Ricciardo, Raikkonen, Perez, Button, Nasr and Sainz Jr completing the top 10.

25 May 2015

2015 Monaco Grand Prix In Pictures

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