As we reported in recent days, this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix will be run without the straight-line mode of the active aerodynamics system. The decision is expected to place even greater emphasis on power unit performance and could have a significant impact on the competitive balance throughout the event.
Discussing the situation, Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence that Ferrari has all the ingredients needed to be highly competitive around the streets of Monte Carlo. According to the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, the absence of the active aero “straight-line” mode could play in Ferrari’s favour during one of the most important weekends of the season.
With the SF-26 widely regarded as one of the strongest chassis on the grid — and by some as the very best — expectations are growing that either Lewis Hamilton or hometown hero Charles Leclerc could deliver Ferrari’s first victory of the season with a car not powered by a Mercedes engine.
That belief has been reinforced by several technical characteristics of the Ferrari package, including its smaller turbocharger and the innovative exhaust-blown wing concept. These features have even led drivers such as Kimi Antonelli to describe the Scuderia as the “team to beat” in Monaco.
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer has also highlighted the upcoming race as a genuine “golden opportunity” for the Maranello-based team, which is still chasing its first Grand Prix victory since the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Reflecting on both his own prospects and Ferrari’s chances, Lewis Hamilton acknowledged the growing excitement surrounding the Italian team ahead of the Monaco weekend.
“I mean, it’s the only circuit where power isn’t everything,” the British driver told reporters. “I think it’s definitely about the performance of the car. I believe our car can be really competitive there.”
“I’m going to be really focused on making sure I arrive with the same energy I had this weekend, studying a lot with the engineers to make sure we get the car in the right window from Free Practice 1 onwards.”
Hamilton also spoke about ADUO and the hopes Ferrari has placed in the system.
“If we eliminate the power deficit, we’ll be able to compete with these drivers. Unfortunately, that’s not the case today, and right now I’m thinking, ‘I need more power somehow,’ because I can match them or stay with them through the corners, but I can’t push any further on the throttle. It’s on the straights where you have to make up ground.
“We close the gap under braking, but then they pull away again. It’s really difficult. Even when you manage to overtake them, you get within less than a second, but they still drive away. That shows how much power they have, and we’re a long way behind.”
Concluding his remarks, the British driver remained hopeful that Ferrari could soon reduce that disadvantage.
“I really hope ADUO allows us to improve performance a little, so that we can get back to fighting with them. But Monaco should be fun.”
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