Marc Gené identifies key reason Lewis Hamilton could shine in Monaco, but backs another Ferrari driver for victory
Ferrari heads into the Monaco Grand Prix surrounded by a level of optimism that has been largely absent during the opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After months of chasing Mercedes, the unique demands of Monte Carlo are widely expected to play to the strengths of the SF-26, raising hopes that Ferrari could finally secure its first victory of the campaign.
One person who shares that confidence is Ferrari ambassador Marc Gené. The former Formula 1 driver believes both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have a genuine opportunity to challenge for victory on the streets of the Principality. However, if he had to choose one Ferrari driver most likely to stand on the top step of the podium, his vote would go to the hometown hero.
Lewis Hamilton’s Canada performance changed perceptions
While Ferrari has shown flashes of competitiveness throughout the season, the Canadian Grand Prix provided one of the clearest signs yet that the team may finally be moving in the right direction. Lewis Hamilton delivered his strongest performance since joining Ferrari, finishing second after a convincing drive that included an important on-track pass on Max Verstappen.
The result represented Lewis Hamilton’s best finish in Ferrari colours and offered further evidence that the seven-time world champion is becoming increasingly comfortable with the SF-26. After a challenging adaptation period, signs of progress have started to emerge, both in terms of pace and confidence.
Marc Gené reportedly views that performance as a significant milestone, believing it demonstrated that Lewis Hamilton is beginning to unlock the potential that many expected when Ferrari announced one of the biggest driver transfers in Formula 1 history.
According to the Ferrari ambassador, seeing Lewis Hamilton fighting near the front again was an extremely important development for the Scuderia. It not only boosted confidence inside the team but also strengthened the belief that Ferrari can rely on both of its drivers to challenge for major results as the season progresses.
Why Monaco could suit the Ferrari SF-26
The confidence surrounding Ferrari is not based solely on recent results. Monaco presents a very different challenge compared to most circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, reducing the importance of outright engine power and placing far greater emphasis on chassis performance, mechanical grip and driver confidence.
Those characteristics are widely viewed as Ferrari strengths. While Mercedes has enjoyed a noticeable advantage in power unit performance throughout much of 2026, the narrow streets of Monte Carlo are expected to minimize that deficit significantly.
Another encouraging sign came from Montreal. Analysts inside the paddock noted that Ferrari was particularly competitive through the slow-speed first sector of the Canadian circuit. Because Monaco is dominated by low-speed corners and traction zones, many believe that performance could translate well to the Principality.
Ferrari’s chassis has frequently received praise this season, even when the team lacked the straight-line speed to fully exploit it. As a result, Monte Carlo is increasingly being viewed as one of the best opportunities Ferrari will have all year to challenge Mercedes on equal terms.
Why Charles Leclerc remains Ferrari’s strongest bet
Despite his optimism regarding Lewis Hamilton, Marc Gené reportedly believes Charles Leclerc remains Ferrari’s most likely winner in Monaco. Few drivers on the current grid have demonstrated a stronger connection with a specific circuit than the Monegasque has with his home race.
The Monegasque has repeatedly shown extraordinary one-lap speed around Monte Carlo. He secured pole position in 2021, 2022 and 2024, finally converting that pace into an emotional victory in 2024 after years of frustration and bad luck at his home event.
The Ferrari driver’s ability to extract maximum performance around Monaco’s unforgiving streets has earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s leading specialists at the circuit. Combined with what many believe will be a competitive Ferrari package, that makes Charles Leclerc one of the leading contenders for pole position and victory once again.
Within the paddock, there is growing belief that Monaco may offer Ferrari its best chance yet to break Mercedes’ dominance of the current season. Even Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has reportedly approached the weekend with caution, aware that the characteristics which have made the W17 so effective elsewhere may not deliver the same advantage in Monaco’s slow-speed environment.
Lewis Hamilton’s Monaco pedigree cannot be ignored
Although much of the attention naturally falls on Charles Leclerc, dismissing Lewis Hamilton’s chances would be a mistake. Few drivers in Formula 1 history possess a stronger record around Monaco than the seven-time world champion.
Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Monaco Grand Prix victory with McLaren in 2008 before adding further wins with Mercedes in 2016 and 2019. He also secured pole positions in 2015 and 2019, consistently proving his ability to master one of the most technically demanding circuits in motorsport.
His Monaco record could easily have been even stronger. Many fans still remember the controversial 2015 race, when Mercedes cost Lewis Hamilton a likely victory through a strategic error after he had comfortably controlled the event from the front.
Now, as a Ferrari driver, the Briton arrives in Monte Carlo carrying renewed momentum after Canada and increasing confidence within the team. While Charles Leclerc may enter the weekend as Ferrari’s most likely winner, the combination of Lewis Hamilton’s experience, Monaco expertise and Ferrari’s encouraging form means the British driver could also be a serious contender if the Scuderia delivers a competitive package.
With qualifying expected to play a decisive role once again, Ferrari finds itself in a rare and exciting position. For perhaps the first time this season, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton appear to have a realistic opportunity to fight for victory, giving the Scuderia hope that its long-awaited first win of 2026 may finally be within reach.
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