After an intense and closely contested Canadian Grand Prix that saw Andrea Kimi Antonelli secure victory for Mercedes ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, Formula 1 now turns its attention to one of the most iconic races on the calendar: the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7.
The streets of Monte Carlo remain a unique challenge in modern Formula 1. The combination of history, glamour and an unforgiving layout makes the Principality unlike any other venue on the schedule. With the all-new 2026 generation of cars making their Monaco debut, there is considerable curiosity about which team will adapt best to the narrow and demanding circuit.
McLaren identifies Ferrari as the Monaco favourite
According to comments reported by the German publication Auto, Motor und Sport, McLaren is convinced that Ferrari will arrive in Monaco as the team to beat. The belief is based on the characteristics of the SF-26, which appear particularly well suited to the demands of the Principality.
Lando Norris first raised the possibility following the Canadian Grand Prix, and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has now reinforced that view.
“Looking at the GPS data, it is clear that Ferrari is very competitive in the corners. We also saw that in Montreal, particularly in the first sector, and Ferrari loses most of its time on the straights. There are not many of those in Monaco. That is why Lando is right to consider Ferrari the favourite for pole position in Monaco,” Andrea Stella explained.
The comments reflect a growing belief within the paddock that Monaco could offer Ferrari one of its strongest opportunities of the 2026 season. The SF-26 has consistently shown competitive cornering performance, while its biggest weaknesses have tended to appear on circuits where straight-line speed and prolonged full-throttle sections play a larger role.
Monaco largely removes that disadvantage, placing greater emphasis on mechanical grip, low-speed traction and driver confidence through the tight streets of Monte Carlo.
Andrea Stella explains Monaco’s unique challenge
Andrea Stella also outlined why he believes Monaco could play to Ferrari’s strengths while still offering McLaren a chance to fight at the front.
“With so many heavy braking zones, the drivers will not have any problems recharging the batteries. Our McLaren adapts better to slow corners than medium- or high-speed corners. Ferrari and Mercedes have an advantage in this area. I see Ferrari as the favourite, but McLaren should also be competitive because Monaco’s slow corners are extremely slow, especially in the second sector,” he said.
The remarks suggest that qualifying could become a fascinating battle between Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes. In Monaco, where overtaking opportunities are traditionally scarce and track position is critical, securing pole position often provides the foundation for victory.
For Ferrari, the encouraging assessment from one of its main rivals will only increase expectations heading into the weekend. With Charles Leclerc’s exceptional record around the streets of his home race and Lewis Hamilton coming off his strongest performance since joining the Scuderia, Monaco may represent Ferrari’s best chance yet to secure its first Grand Prix victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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