Monaco Grand Prix 2015 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Nico Rosberg ended Lewis Hamilton's winning streak with a strategic masterclass at Monaco, defeating Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton around the principality's tight streets. Hamilton had started from pole and appeared set for victory, but a controversial pit stop decision during a safety car period dropped him to third as Mercedes brought him in while Rosberg and Vettel stayed out. The strategy call sparked Hamilton's fury on team radio and created significant tension within Mercedes.

The race turned on Mercedes' safety car strategy, with the team arguably prioritizing track position over Hamilton's race when they called him to pit. Rosberg inherited the lead and controlled proceedings to the flag, while Vettel's second place was Ferrari's best result of 2015 to date. Hamilton's third place felt like a defeat given his dominant pace all weekend, and his anger was palpable as he questioned whether the team had cost him victory deliberately.

Rosberg's Monaco victory was crucial for keeping him in championship contention against the dominant Hamilton. However, the manner of the win - benefiting from a questionable team strategy - created controversy and raised questions about Mercedes' approach to managing their drivers. The result demonstrated that even when Hamilton had superior pace, circumstances and team decisions could prevent him from winning, though his championship lead remained substantial.