Who is actually the favorite? The game of passing the favorite tag around for the Monaco GP continues. While Mercedes and McLaren point to Ferrari as the car to beat through the tight streets of the Principality, the red garages are actively trying to downplay expectations. Just like Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton spoke with journalists gathered in Monte Carlo and explained that the SF-26 is not the leading car. However, the seven-time world champion certainly agrees that in the ultimate street race, Ferrari will have a better chance to shine, given the reduced impact of total power unit output.
“I would say that this circuit will probably favor us compared to others,” explained Ferrari’s number 44. “On long straights, like the ones we faced in Montreal for example, we lost quite a bit of time. Here we will lose much less, and I don’t think power will necessarily be such a relevant issue. Furthermore, our car is strong at low speeds, so I think we will be competitive. I don’t necessarily think we will be the fastest,” Hamilton cautioned, “especially compared to Mercedes, which is a car that seems capable of doing almost everything. But I think we will be competitive.”
Steps forward
This year, Lewis Hamilton has looked far more at ease with Ferrari compared to his debut season. In just five Grands Prix, he has already stood on the podium twice, after missing out entirely throughout 2025. “I think most people don’t realize all the work that goes on behind the scenes,” the Briton explained, reflecting on his life as a Ferrari driver. “As far as I’m concerned, I arrived at a team that, as I said last year, has everything it takes to succeed. It’s just a matter of putting the pieces of the puzzle in the right place for that to happen.”
“I committed myself 100% to get to this point, knowing that it’s difficult, particularly during the first part of last year. It’s very tough, but as I said at the last race, my team has been fantastic in working with me and helping me. For example, the engineers have set up the car a thousand times better compared to last year. I’m starting to see the fruits of this labor. Last year we asked for certain changes to the car, which we have now received. For example, the suspension. It’s fantastic to be able to collaborate with everyone to steer the boat in the right direction.”
In summary, Lewis Hamilton’s measured optimism ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix highlights the significant technical strides Ferrari has made with its mechanical package. By tackling their previous suspension weaknesses and capitalizing on the low-speed compliance of the SF-26, the Scuderia is well-positioned to challenge their front-running rivals around the historic streets of Monte Carlo.
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