It was Charles Leclerc, and perhaps even the Prince of Monaco, who was expected to take pole position, but 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli had other plans. In the first three practice sessions, Ferrari dominated until qualifying, when Mercedes claimed pole for the first time this decade.
Monaco Grand Prix Weekend
Monte Carlo, Monaco - There are race weekends in Formula 1, and then there is Monaco. The narrow streets of the Principality have humbled world champions, shattered dreams within inches of steel barriers, and produced some of the sport's most iconic moments. In 2026, Monaco arrives with a fresh storyline: the rise of Kimi Antonelli.
After four consecutive victories and a commanding lead in the Drivers' Championship, the 19-year-old Mercedes prodigy arrived in Monte Carlo carrying the momentum of a future world champion. Yet Monaco represents a challenge unlike any other on the F1 calendar. Raw pace matters, but courage matters more. A driver must dance millimeters from walls while carrying speeds that leave no room for error.
As the weekend unfolded from Friday practice through Saturday qualifying, Monaco once again proved why it remains Formula 1's greatest test of driver skill.
Free Practice 1: Ferrari Dominates
The first practice session around Monaco is rarely about outright speed. It is a gradual process of learning where grip exists and how close a driver can get to the barriers without becoming their latest victim. The first practice was all about Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc, the Prince of Monaco and home favorite, secured the fastest lap, followed by Lewis Hamilton, while Max Verstappen finished third.
Monaco GP - Free Practice 1 Results (Top 5)
- 1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:13.978
- 2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.226s
- 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) +0.513s
- 4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.559s
- 5. George Russell (Mercedes) +1.005s
Free Practice 2: Ferrari Continues Strong Form
The second practice session provided a clearer picture of the competitive order. Again, Ferrari dominated. Lewis Hamilton topped the session, followed by Charles Leclerc, with Max Verstappen again third.
Monaco GP - Free Practice 2 Results (Top 5)
- 1. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 1:13.026
- 2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.111s
- 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) +0.168s
- 4. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.379s
- 5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.503s
Saturday Morning: Antonelli Strikes Back
If Friday belonged to Ferrari, Saturday morning belonged to Antonelli. The Mercedes driver delivered an emphatic statement during final practice, producing the fastest lap of the weekend and reminding rivals why he leads the championship. Antonelli won the session, outclassing Ferrari, while Leclerc and Hamilton finished second and third. Antonelli attacked Monaco's barriers with a confidence rarely seen from a driver of his age. Through the Swimming Pool complex and around Rascasse, the Italian appeared completely at ease, extracting every available millisecond from the Mercedes package.
Monaco GP - Free Practice 3 Results (Top 5)
- 1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1:12.720
- 2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.327s
- 3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.331s
- 4. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.763s
- 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) +0.942s
Qualifying: The Real Monaco Grand Prix
Around Monaco, qualifying often feels more important than the race itself. The circuit's tight layout leaves precious few overtaking opportunities, making Saturday's session arguably the most significant hour of the entire weekend. Hamilton delivered a superb lap. Leclerc pushed aggressively in front of his home crowd. Verstappen extracted everything from the Red Bull. But Antonelli saved his best for last. With the pressure at its highest, the Italian produced a stunning lap of 1:12.051 to secure pole position by just 0.043 seconds over Verstappen. It marked Antonelli's fourth pole position in six races and reinforced the growing belief that Formula 1 is witnessing the arrival of its next superstar.
Monaco GP - Qualifying Results & Starting Grid
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1:12.051
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) +0.043s
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.228s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.300s
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) +0.383s
- George Russell (Mercedes) +0.394s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.573s
- Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.714s
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +1.175s
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.361s
- Alex Albon (Williams) - Q2 Elimination
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams) - Q2 Elimination
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - Q2 Elimination
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - Q2 Elimination
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - Q2 Elimination
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - Q1 Elimination
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) - Q1 Elimination
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - Q1 Elimination
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) - Q1 Elimination
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - Q1 Elimination
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - Q1 Elimination
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - Q1 Elimination
Max Was Constant
Max Verstappen was always in contention. He finished second in qualifying and will start alongside Kimi Antonelli on the front row. The Red Bull driver has built his reputation on maximizing opportunities under pressure, and starting alongside Antonelli keeps him firmly in contention for victory. Monaco often rewards strategic patience. One mistake, one safety car, or one poorly timed pit stop can transform an entire race. Verstappen knows better than most how quickly circumstances can change. If Antonelli falters, the Dutchman will be perfectly positioned to capitalize.
Ferrari's Missed Opportunity
Ferrari entered the weekend believing Monaco represented one of its strongest chances to challenge for victory in 2026. The pace was evident throughout practice. The confidence was visible throughout the garage. Yet qualifying ultimately left the team wondering what might have been. Hamilton secured a strong third-place start, while Leclerc's bid for pole was compromised as he dropped to fourth after another frustrating chapter in his complicated relationship with his home Grand Prix.
The Race Ahead
Everything now points toward a fascinating strategic battle on Sunday at 6:30 PM IST. Antonelli controls the race from pole position. Verstappen lurks directly behind. Hamilton remains close enough to capitalize on any opportunity. Leclerc carries the hopes of Monaco's local supporters.
About the Author: Nitesh Dubey is a digital content producer at the Times of India with over two years of experience in sports journalism. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Before joining TOI Online Sports Desk in March 2026, he was part of India News and Zee News. He has covered major sporting events, including ICC tournaments, IPL, Olympics, and tennis tournaments, showcasing his passion for cricket and other sports.
