Ferrari heads into the Monaco Formula 1 weekend with a significant amount of confidence and optimism. The objective for the opening free practice session was clear from the outset: work carefully on the setup, gather valuable data, and allow both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to build confidence with the SF-26 around the famously narrow and unforgiving streets of the Principality. Monaco is unlike any other circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, and finding the right rhythm as early as possible is often crucial for the rest of the weekend.
Lewis Hamilton chose not to rely on simulator work when preparing the setup of his Ferrari, while Charles Leclerc spent time using the simulator before arriving in Monte Carlo. Over the course of the weekend, it will become increasingly clear which approach proves to be the most effective. Aside from that interesting contrast between the two Ferrari drivers, the general feeling ahead of the session was that Ferrari could be one of the strongest contenders around the unique Monaco layout. FP1 therefore represented the first real opportunity to understand whether those positive expectations were justified.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc evaluate the SF-26
The two Ferrari drivers wasted absolutely no time getting out onto the circuit once the session began. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc started their programmes on the hard tyre compound, a choice that immediately presented challenges due to the extremely low grip conditions that typically characterize the opening stages of a Monaco weekend.
Those difficult conditions were highlighted by Charles Leclerc early in the session. The Monegasque driver went deep into a corner in Sector 2 and narrowly avoided making contact with the barriers after briefly losing the ideal line. Fortunately for Ferrari, the incident resulted in no damage and allowed Charles Leclerc to continue gathering valuable mileage. The race engineers initially concentrated on suggesting settings and adjustments designed to improve the car’s rotation through the slower corners. This aspect is particularly important around Monaco, where drivers spend much of the lap negotiating tight turns and constantly changing direction. A car that rotates efficiently can make a significant difference over a qualifying lap.
At the same time, Ferrari carried out several constant-speed tests as part of its normal evaluation programme. Trying to draw definitive conclusions about the SF-26 after only four laps would have been practically impossible, especially given the evolving track conditions. Nevertheless, the Ferrari appeared reasonably stable and composed during its first outing on track.
Lewis Hamilton once again looked particularly comfortable behind the wheel. The seven-time world champion appeared relaxed and confident as he gradually increased his pace. Whether that impression was linked to Ferrari’s specific run plan or simply reflected a different approach compared to Charles Leclerc remained unclear. It was evident, however, that both drivers were following slightly different paths in their efforts to understand the characteristics of the SF-26 around Monte Carlo.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the weekend from Ferrari’s perspective concerned the absence of clipping. This meant that the drivers could attack every sector at maximum commitment without having to manage energy deployment in a way that compromised performance. Around Monaco, where every tenth of a second matters, that represents an important advantage.
As the laps continued, Charles Leclerc still appeared to be searching for the final level of confidence required to attack every corner with complete commitment. Monaco demands absolute trust in both the car and the surroundings, and drivers often need time to build that confidence. At one stage, Charles Leclerc expressed frustration over the radio because he felt there was too much communication while he was attempting to focus fully on extracting performance from the car.
A Ferrari that looks easy to drive in Monaco
Lewis Hamilton received feedback from race engineer Carlo Santi regarding Turn 1, with the Ferrari driver being informed that there was still room for improvement in that section of the circuit. Shortly afterwards, additional suggestions arrived concerning a different braking-related mapping adjustment that could help optimize performance.
Eventually, Charles Leclerc managed to put together a clean and representative lap. The result was impressive, as the Ferrari driver moved to the top of the timing screens and established an advantage of almost six tenths of a second over teammate Lewis Hamilton. Although it was still early in the session, a preliminary observation could already be made regarding the SF-26’s behaviour. Ferrari’s car appeared capable of rotating effectively through Monaco‘s many low-speed corners. This was naturally only an initial impression, but it represented an encouraging sign for the Maranello-based team.
Not long afterwards, Charles Leclerc reported that something inside the cockpit was causing discomfort or distraction. The Ferrari driver requested that the team investigate the issue, and Ferrari immediately began carrying out the necessary checks.
Another particularly positive observation concerned the front-to-rear balance of the SF-26. According to the information emerging from the session, the Ferrari appeared extremely well balanced between both axles. Such balance is especially important at Monaco because it allows drivers to attack confidently without fearing sudden instability. More importantly, it suggested that all four tyres were operating within their optimal performance window simultaneously, maximizing overall grip and consistency.
Shortly afterwards, Lewis Hamilton improved his pace considerably and reduced the gap to the sister Ferrari. As the session progressed, the SF-26 increasingly looked like a car that was relatively straightforward and predictable to drive. That characteristic can be enormously valuable around a street circuit where confidence often translates directly into lap time.
For Ferrari, this was undoubtedly one of the most encouraging developments of the opening practice session. A car that inspires confidence allows drivers to push closer to the limit and often accelerates the setup process throughout the weekend. After approximately 25 minutes of running, Ferrari shifted its focus toward more detailed setup work. Engineers and drivers collaborated closely on a variety of parameters that still required refinement and optimization. The objective was to identify any remaining weaknesses before carrying out the first pit stop and assessing where additional performance could still be unlocked.
Lewis Hamilton also experienced a brief scare during this phase of the session. The British driver ran wide at Sainte Devote but managed to avoid the barriers and continue without damage. Such moments are not unusual in Monaco, particularly during the opening practice session when grip levels are still improving and drivers are gradually increasing their commitment.
Ferrari confirms positive early impressions
For the second run of the session, both Ferrari drivers switched to the yellow-marked Pirelli medium compound tyres. This change offered a new opportunity to evaluate the SF-26 under slightly different conditions and gain a clearer picture of its overall competitiveness.
The session had previously been interrupted by a red flag following Isack Hadjar‘s crash at the Swimming Pool section. As is often the case in Monaco, even a relatively minor incident required officials to neutralize the session in order to clear debris and ensure safe conditions. The interruption reduced the available running time and left Ferrari with only around 15 minutes to continue evaluating the SF-26. As a result, every lap became particularly valuable.
During the out-lap, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc focused heavily on preparing the tyres and bringing them into their ideal operating window. Achieving the correct tyre temperature is essential in modern Formula 1, especially on a circuit where grip evolves rapidly throughout the session. Ferrari’s planned programme was straightforward and efficient: two consecutive push laps followed by a cool-down lap. This approach allowed the team to collect useful information while also preserving tyre performance.
During this phase of the session, race engineer Carlo Santi noted a slight tendency toward understeer in Sector 2. However, the issue was considered relatively minor and did not appear serious enough to raise concerns within the garage.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, received feedback indicating that additional time could still be found in Turn 10 and in the final corner of the circuit. These details highlighted the fact that both Ferrari drivers were still discovering areas where further improvements could be made.
The adaptation to the medium compound tyres appeared very positive. The SF-26 looked comfortable and competitive, although it remained difficult to determine whether the Pirelli tyres were already delivering their maximum possible level of grip. Even so, Ferrari’s pace remained consistently strong. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc continued to feature at the top of the timing screens during the second run, reinforcing the positive impression created earlier in the session.
At the same time, Ferrari’s engineers made it clear that there was still untapped potential within the package. Through their radio communications, they continued suggesting handling adjustments and fine-tuning measures aimed at improving performance in specific corners around the circuit. That aspect may have been one of the most encouraging signs of all. The Ferrari was already competitive, yet there appeared to be additional performance available through further optimization of the setup.
Shortly afterwards, the chequered flag brought the session to an end. Based on the available evidence from FP1, Ferrari could be satisfied with its start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. The SF-26 looked balanced, predictable, and competitive, while both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc appeared capable of fighting near the front.
While much work remains before qualifying and the race itself, the opening practice session provided Ferrari with several encouraging signals. For the moment, everything appeared to be progressing exactly as the Maranello team had hoped, with the SF-26 delivering the positive early indications that many had expected heading into the streets of Monte Carlo.
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