Ferrari Eyes Breakthrough at Monaco Grand Prix
Ferrari's last victory came at the Mexican Grand Prix in 2024, and the team is optimistic about their prospects at the Monaco Grand Prix. The narrow and twisting streets of Monte Carlo are expected to suit the characteristics of Ferrari's SF26 car, potentially ending their winless streak.
Mercedes’ Season Dominance Faces Monaco Challenge
Mercedes has led the 2024 season, with Lewis Hamilton ahead by 43 points over teammate George Russell. However, the strengths of the Mercedes car may be less effective on Monaco’s slow corners, which favor Ferrari’s SF26. The Ferrari has consistently shown strong performance in slower corners but has struggled with drag on straights and the limitations of a smaller turbocharger compared to rivals.
This has been a disadvantage on traditional circuits where, despite competitive qualifying performances, Ferrari has been unable to match the race pace of Mercedes or the upgraded McLaren. Monaco’s unique layout could mitigate these issues, providing Ferrari with a better opportunity.
Technical Advantages Favor Ferrari at Monaco
Ferrari’s pace through tight corners and the smaller turbocharger will be crucial in Monaco. Energy management is expected to be manageable due to ample recharging opportunities, and the smaller turbo allows the engine to remain spooled for effective acceleration out of corners.
The turbocharger has also contributed to Ferrari’s fast starts this season, frequently allowing them to take early leads, although maintaining those leads has been challenging. Given the difficulty of overtaking in Monaco, securing a front-row start could make Ferrari’s drivers, including Hamilton, virtually untouchable at the start.
“I would say that probably this track was better for us than some of the others,” said Hamilton. “I don’t think power is going to be necessarily so much of an issue. And our car is good at low speed so I think we will be competitive.”
Leclerc Aims to Impress at Home Race
Charles Leclerc, who appeared dominant in first practice, is eager to make an impact at his home Grand Prix. He has previously won in Monaco in 2024 and holds three pole positions from seven appearances, one more than Hamilton’s tally at this circuit. Leclerc is known for his exceptional single-lap speed, and with qualifying all taking place in Monaco, the competition between Ferrari’s drivers could be a direct duel.
Competition Remains Fierce Among Top Teams
Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull remain strong contenders and will not be passive observers. As always in Monaco, driver confidence and the ability to push the car to its limits will be critical factors. Hamilton has expressed confidence in his Mercedes, contributing to anticipation of an intense qualifying session.
In first practice, Leclerc and Hamilton led the timesheets, separated by just two-tenths of a second. Max Verstappen in the Red Bull was third, half a second behind, followed by Antonelli and Russell in fourth and fifth respectively.
