Kimi Antonelli has suggested that Ferrari could emerge as the team to beat at the Monaco Grand Prix, despite the Mercedes driver continuing his remarkable winning streak in the early phase of the Formula 1 season.
The young Mercedes star secured his fourth consecutive Grand Prix victory in Canada, extending a flawless start to the season for the Brackley-based team in full-distance races. Mercedes’ only setback so far has come in a Sprint event in Miami, underlining their consistency across the championship so far.
In Montreal, Mercedes introduced their first significant upgrade package of the 2025 Formula 1 season, slightly increasing their qualifying advantage. However, race pace told a clearer story, as neither Ferrari nor Red Bull were able to close the gap to Kimi Antonelli and George Russell during extended stints of competitive running.
Kimi Antonelli highlights Ferrari strengths ahead of Monaco Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli ultimately crossed the finish line around 11 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton, with Lewis Hamilton recovering to second place after a late-race overtake on Max Verstappen in a tightly contested final phase of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Despite Mercedes’ current dominance in terms of power unit performance, Kimi Antonelli believes the characteristics of the Monaco street circuit will significantly shift the competitive balance in favour of Ferrari.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Kimi Antonelli explained that Ferrari are expected to be the strongest package in Monaco, pointing out that the layout reduces the importance of raw engine performance and places greater emphasis on chassis efficiency, mechanical grip and aerodynamic stability.
Kimi Antonelli stated that Ferrari’s overall aerodynamic concept, including what he described as a highly effective rear wing and downforce-generating design elements, could give the Scuderia a decisive advantage at the tight and twisty street circuit.
He reportedly added that Ferrari will enter the Monaco Grand Prix as favourites, making it a highly unpredictable and closely watched weekend given the potential shift in competitive order compared to more power-sensitive circuits like Montreal.
Lewis Hamilton chasing breakthrough Ferrari victory in Monaco
If Ferrari do indeed arrive with the strongest package in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton could find himself in a prime position to fight for his first victory in red following his strongest performance of the season so far in Canada.
Ferrari have not won a Formula 1 race since the closing stages of the 2024 season, when Lewis Hamilton’s predecessor Carlos Sainz secured victory in Mexico, highlighting the team’s ongoing push to return to consistent race-winning form.
Lewis Hamilton has already shown competitive strength on circuits that suit his driving style, outperforming teammate Charles Leclerc in both China and Canada, two venues where he delivered some of his strongest Ferrari performances to date.
However, Monaco presents a significantly different challenge, particularly with Charles Leclerc traditionally excelling at his home Grand Prix. The Monegasque driver remains one of the most formidable competitors on the Monte Carlo streets, having won the race in 2024 and consistently shown elite one-lap pace around the circuit.
As Lewis Hamilton continues to push for his first Ferrari victory and aims to end a lengthy 39-race win drought in Formula 1, Monaco could represent a crucial opportunity to reset his season trajectory and re-establish himself as a central contender in the championship fight.
With Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull all expected to be closely matched depending on circuit characteristics, the Monaco Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most important and unpredictable races of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
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