After visiting three different continents, Formula 1 finally returns to what many still consider its true home. There is little point pretending otherwise or fully embracing Liberty Media’s efforts to shift the centre of gravity elsewhere: the pinnacle of motorsport was born in Europe and remains deeply rooted in its history, tradition and prestige. Fittingly, the start of the European leg of the season comes with one of the sport’s most iconic events, the Monaco Grand Prix, the most recognisable race on the calendar and one of motorsport’s greatest classics.
Expectations are particularly high heading into this weekend. Monaco has always been something of an outlier compared to the rest of the Formula 1 calendar, a circuit with unique characteristics where aerodynamic efficiency often plays a less decisive role than at many other venues. Adding another twist, the FIA has confirmed that active aerodynamics will not be permitted for this event, creating a very different technical challenge for the teams.
Monaco brings Formula 1 back to its historic roots
The streets of the Principality continue to offer a one-of-a-kind test. The track is incredibly narrow, packed with constant acceleration and braking zones, and features very few long straights. It is a circuit full of contrasts, combining one of the fastest corners of the season, the Tunnel, with the slowest corner on the calendar, the famous Loews Hairpin.
That combination creates a unique challenge for both drivers and engineers. Cars require highly specialised mechanical setups to cope with the extreme demands of the circuit, particularly through the tight hairpin section where precision and vehicle balance become critical.
During the opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Ferrari has repeatedly shown strong performance in low-speed corners and has demonstrated the quality of its mechanical package. Too often, however, those strengths have been limited by a power unit that has not yet matched the level of its main rivals.
That is precisely why Monaco is viewed as such an important opportunity. On a circuit where outright engine performance carries less weight than elsewhere, Ferrari believes it can close the gap and genuinely fight for its first victory of the season.
Lewis Hamilton sees Monaco as a major opportunity for Ferrari
There is little reason for Ferrari to hide its ambitions. Lewis Hamilton spoke openly about the team’s prospects while reflecting on the Canadian Grand Prix and already looking ahead to Monaco.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion explained that Monaco is one of the few tracks where pure power is not the decisive factor. According to Hamilton, success around the streets of Monte Carlo is primarily determined by the quality of the chassis and the overall balance of the car. For that reason, he believes the Ferrari SF-26 could prove extremely competitive.
The British driver also revealed that he intends to do everything possible to arrive fully prepared from the very first free practice session. Hamilton stressed that if Ferrari can effectively neutralise its power deficit thanks to the characteristics of the circuit, the Scuderia already has the tools needed to battle at the front.
In his view, Monaco places a far greater emphasis on chassis performance than engine output, making it one of Ferrari’s best opportunities so far this season.
Charles Leclerc could be Ferrari’s secret weapon in Monte Carlo
There is another reason why Ferrari supporters have every right to feel optimistic: Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque driver has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to raise his level when racing on home soil. Competing on the streets he knows better than anyone else has often brought out some of his strongest performances, and this year appears no different.
As previously discussed in our analysis, Charles Leclerc has also been carefully studying Lewis Hamilton’s working methods and approach, determined to maximise every possible advantage ahead of what remains the most important weekend of his season.
All the ingredients therefore appear to be in place for Ferrari to mount a serious challenge. Of course, Monaco has always been Formula 1’s ultimate roulette wheel, where a safety car, a strategic gamble or a minor mistake can completely transform the outcome of the race.
Nevertheless, Ferrari wants to arrive fully prepared. The focus will be on delivering a flawless qualifying performance, still the most crucial part of any Monaco weekend, before executing the perfect race on Sunday. If everything comes together, the Scuderia could finally secure its first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season and bring an end to a winless streak that has lasted far longer than anyone in Maranello would have liked.
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