Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc would start from pole position with the goal of winning his hometown's Formula 1 race.
But the monegasque was forced to cancel the race at very short notice because his car was not in a drivable condition.
Leclerc damaged his car in a crash at the end of the qualifier and his stable could not repair the broken drive shaft on the gearbox.
Understandably, a big disappointment for Leclec who grew up in the Principality of the Riviera.
Instead, Max Verstappen was almost free from the first starting line and was able to win.
Rival Lewis Hamilton started far down the field after a failed qualifier and could not threaten the Dutchman's victory.
Hamilton finished seventh.
Verstappen thus takes over the lead in the World Cup summary.
The Dutchman has 105 points and Hamilton 101 after five races.
Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas was there for a long time, but was forced to break after a failed depot visit where his mechanic could not loosen the right front tire.
Instead, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, took second place with Lando Norris, McLaren, as third on the podium.