Lewis Hamilton struggles as Charles Leclerc takes Monaco pole despite big crash
Charles Leclerc has secured pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix despite crashing into a wall during a dramatic qualifying session on Saturday – but world champion Lewis Hamilton will start down in seventh.
The Ferrari star had put his car on provisional pole in the first run, with Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas just behind him.
Verstappen was on a fast lap before cameras cut to Leclerc, whose car was parked in the barrier at the swimming pool chicane.
His crash brought an immediate red flag to the session, meaning all drivers on hot laps had to scratch their times.
Fortunately Leclerc came out of the crashed unscathed, and the Monacan inadvertently secured his first pole position of the season at his home race.
It is a bitter pill for Verstappen and Bottas to swallow, as both men were on course to post faster lap times when the red flag ended the session.
Qualifying was also disappointing for Hamilton, who finished down in seventh ahead of Sunday's race.
It remains to be seen whether Leclerc has suffered any gearbox damage, which may result in a five-place grid penalty.
However, Ferrari will fancy their chances in what promises to be a fascinating race at the glamorous Circuit de Monaco.
"It's a shame to finish in the wall, it doesn't feel the same," Leclerc said.
"But at the same time I'm incredibly happy about my first timed lap.
"It's a big surprise for everyone to be on pole for the race."
Verstappen, who will start alongside Leclerc on the front row, has a great chance of catching Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship.
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Just 14 points separate the two drivers heading into Sunday's Grand Prix, and if both men finish where they start it that gap will be reduced to a mere two points.
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