Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ready to attack from the second row
Against most expectations, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen secured the front row for the Monaco Grand Prix after an intense qualifying session around the streets of Monte Carlo. Ferrari, despite showing excellent pace throughout practice, ultimately had to settle for the second row with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
However, starting third and fourth does not mean Ferrari is out of contention.
One of the Scuderia’s biggest strengths during the opening rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season has been its exceptional race starts. Ferrari has consistently gained ground off the line, thanks in part to the characteristics of its power unit package and the decision to adopt a smaller turbocharger design.
While that concept may sacrifice some performance on longer straights, it has often delivered an advantage in the crucial opening metres after the lights go out.
Monaco, of course, features very few long straights where Ferrari’s weakness could be exposed. That means the team’s trademark “slingshot” launch could become an important weapon when the race begins.
At the same time, overtaking opportunities are limited, and the run to Sainte Devote is relatively short. Although the current generation of Formula 1 cars is slightly smaller than in recent seasons, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will still face a major challenge if they hope to squeeze between Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen and gain positions at the start.
Nevertheless, Max Verstappen is fully aware of the threat posed by the two Ferrari drivers.
The Dutchman knows that the opening seconds of the race could prove decisive and that his attention may need to focus as much on defending from behind as attacking the pole-sitting Mercedes ahead.
Speaking after qualifying, Verstappen admitted that the start could be one of the most critical moments of the entire Grand Prix weekend: “The start will be critical,” Verstappen said. “The situation could become a bit complicated and I have two cars behind me that start pretty well. A lot of things can happen. The Grand Prix is still completely open.”
Those comments underline the respect Ferrari has earned for its launch performance in 2026. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc lining up directly behind the front row, the battle into Sainte Devote could immediately shape the outcome of the Monaco Grand Prix.
On a circuit where track position is often everything, Verstappen knows that containing the Ferrari challenge at the start may be just as important as trying to take the fight to Antonelli for the lead.
Leave a Reply