The Formula 1 title is Kimi Antonelli’s "to lose" according to Mercedes driver George Russell. Yet, as the Monaco Grand Prix weekend unfolds, both drivers might find themselves facing an unexpected challenge on the iconic street circuit.
19-year-old Antonelli has enjoyed a dominant season, securing four consecutive race victories and building a substantial 43-point lead over Russell with Mercedes having swept every Grand Prix this year, with either Antonelli or Russell taking the top spot.
However, Friday’s first practice session in Monaco saw Ferrari and local hero Charles Leclerc set the fastest time, hinting at a potential end to Mercedes’ winning streak.
Reflecting on the championship, Russell stated: "You’ve got such a buffer, it feels like you can only keep it, or you can lose it. And I think it’s his [Antonelli’s] to lose. So, my mindset is to enjoy every single race, try and win every single race. I just need to continue being the guy who’s coming out on top, even if he’s the one at the moment who’s getting the results."
While Mercedes have generally had the car to beat this season, Monaco’s unique demands could favour Ferrari. Both Leclerc’s and Lewis Hamilton’s cars feature a smaller turbocharger, which might provide a crucial power advantage when accelerating out of the circuit’s numerous slow corners. Leclerc, fresh from signing a new contract with Ferrari, expressed confidence: "If there’s one track I would bet on us, it’s probably Monaco."
Leclerc’s optimism was validated in the initial practice session, where he topped the timesheets, 0.226 seconds ahead of teammate Hamilton. Max Verstappen secured third, half a second off the pace, pushing Antonelli and Russell down to fourth and fifth respectively. The session also saw a brief stoppage after Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar crashed into the barriers.
Monaco’s tight and winding streets present a singular test for drivers and cars. Three-time champion Nelson Piquet famously compared racing here to riding a bicycle around your living room. This year, the event feels even more distinct due to new regulations.
A de-facto speed limiter now reduces electrical power when cars exceed 200 km/h (124 mph) on safety grounds, and the new-for-2026 moving aerodynamic parts designed for straight-line speed will not be deployed. Essentially, the entire track is being treated as one continuous corner.
Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren have adapted by fitting miniature "winglets" to their cars to generate additional downforce, replacing the usual movable components. While Monaco races are often processional, qualifying remains a tense and spectacular affair, as grid position is paramount given the near-impossibility of overtaking on Sunday.
The 2026 season has also seen Cadillac join the grid, increasing the car count to 22, which could make qualifying even more unpredictable, particularly in the crowded first session.
