The European leg of the 2026 Formula 1 season begins in the streets of Monte Carlo with the Monaco Grand Prix, traditionally regarded as the most glamorous event on the F1 calendar. Several figures within the paddock have identified Ferrari as one of the favourites heading into the weekend, and there are good reasons for that optimism.
Historically, Monaco has been one of the circuits where outright engine performance plays a smaller role compared to other venues. That characteristic could allow the Ferrari SF-26 to shine, reducing the impact of any deficit on the long full-throttle sections that have occasionally exposed weaknesses elsewhere.
Charles Leclerc won the 2024 edition of the Monaco Grand Prix, while Lando Norris claimed victory in 2025. Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s first appearance around the Principality was far from memorable, but the 2026 event represents a fresh start for everyone thanks to the introduction of the new generation of Formula 1 cars.
One notable difference compared to 2025 is the removal of the mandatory two-stop rule that was trialled last season. Rather than increasing unpredictability, the experiment encouraged highly speculative strategic approaches that ultimately helped Racing Bulls and Williams secure double top-10 finishes.
No active aerodynamics in Monaco
The FIA has also confirmed that active aerodynamics will not be used during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. According to the governing body, the drag reduction benefits offered by the system are not significant enough to justify requiring drivers to manage an additional control on one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.
Furthermore, using active aerodynamics on a track where traction plays such a crucial role throughout the lap was deemed insufficiently safe. The overtake mode, however, will remain available, beginning before Antony Noghès, with the detection point positioned at the exit of the second Swimming Pool chicane.
The entire event will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1. ScuderiaFans.com will provide live text coverage of every Formula 1 session throughout the weekend.
In addition to Formula 1, both Formula 2 and Formula 3 will be on track. Their action begins on Thursday with practice sessions, while qualifying takes place on Friday. As is traditional in Monaco, qualifying for the junior categories will be split into two groups, separating odd-numbered and even-numbered cars, with the starting grid formed using the results from each group on opposite sides of the grid.
Monaco Grand Prix 2026 TV schedule
Thursday, June 4
- 13:25 – Formula 3 Free Practice (Sky Sport F1)
- 15:00 – Formula 2 Free Practice (Sky Sport F1)
Friday, June 5
- 11:05 – Formula 3 Qualifying Group 1 (Sky Sport F1)
- 11:29 – Formula 3 Qualifying Group 2 (Sky Sport F1)
- 13:30 – Formula 1 Free Practice 1 (Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com)
- 15:10 – Formula 2 Qualifying Group 1 (Sky Sport F1)
- 15:34 – Formula 2 Qualifying Group 2 (Sky Sport F1)
- 17:00 – Formula 1 Free Practice 2 (Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com)
Saturday, June 6
- 10:45 – Formula 3 Sprint Race (Sky Sport F1)
- 12:30 – Formula 1 Free Practice 3 (Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com)
- 14:15 – Formula 2 Sprint Race (Sky Sport F1)
- 16:00 – Formula 1 Qualifying (Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com)
Sunday, June 7
- 07:55 – Formula 3 Feature Race (Sky Sport F1)
- 09:35 – Formula 2 Feature Race (Sky Sport F1)
- 15:00 – Formula 1 Grand Prix (Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com)
Monaco circuit characteristics
- Track length: 3.337 km
- Race laps: 78
- Total race distance: 260.286 km
Leave a Reply