Monte Carlo: The Monaco Grand Prix has been turned completely on its head following a catastrophic mechanical failure for reigning world champion Max Verstappen, leaving championship leader Kimi Antonelli firmly in control of the streets of the Principality.

Verstappen lined up second on the front row next to pole-sitter Antonelli. However, his Red Bull stalled when the lights went out, leaving him moving at a very slow pace and dropping him straight to last place.

"Yep, nice, completely **** guys, what the **** man?" an angry Verstappen said over the team radio as he struggled off the line.

Shortly after, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase instructed the four-time world champion over the radio to bring the car back into the pit lane, where the team officially retired the vehicle due to critical power issues.

Antonelli safely defended his lead into the first corner and currently leads the Grand Prix unchallenged, followed by Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.