Ferrari showcased impressive speed during practice for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, according to Autosport. On May 27, 2026, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton topped the practice sessions, hinting at a potential shift in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
What happened
Ferrari’s performance in practice suggested a strong chance to challenge Mercedes’ dominance this season. Charles Leclerc seized the top spot in one session, while Lewis Hamilton matched this achievement in another. Max Verstappen’s Red Bull struggled to match this pace, indicating a shift in dynamics around the Port Hercule circuit.
The SF-26, Ferrari’s latest car, excelled in low-speed corners. Its design allows it to handle the bumps and kerbs of the Monaco streets adeptly. “The trends that we see with Ferrari every year here and on street tracks have been there for probably 10 years,” said George Russell, noting Ferrari’s consistent advantage on such circuits.
Why it matters
Success in Monaco is often dictated by qualifying performance. Ferrari’s prior struggles in the race indicate a precarious balance between speed and strategy. The team must navigate both the unpredictable nature of the track and the aggressive strategies of rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes.
Background
On May 20, 2026, Ferrari’s past challenges in Monaco were highlighted. Leclerc’s crash during qualifying in 2021 led to failure to start, and strategic missteps in the following years saw the team losing potential victories. These historical hurdles add pressure to perform at the upcoming race.
What’s next
Qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix is set for May 28, 2026. Teams are expected to fine-tune their strategies and car setups to maximize performance under the demanding conditions of Monaco.
