The Reds were the protagonists on the first day of free practice. Mercedes and Mc Laren in crisis, Verstappen doing well. Now the Maranello cars are aiming to conquer the front row which is crucial in the Monaco Grand Prix
A Friday that turns red. In Monte Carlo in free practice for the Formula 1 grand prix which will take place on Sunday Ferraris dominate in both the first and second sessions. From Charles Leclerc the best time in the Monegasque morning, but in the afternoon Lewis Hamilton precedes his teammate. The Maranello team sends a strong signal in the first European race of the season, the Maranello cars are still hunting for victory after a very long drought: no victory in 2025 and still dry in 2026 even if the Reds have seemed competitive this season. But not enough, especially against the dominant Mercedes of the first part of the season. In the Principality, however, the “silver arrows” have suffered and both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell complained of their car. The only one to stay close to the Ferraris was Max Verstappen with Red Bull. In fact, Mc Laren also ran into difficulty: only the seventh fastest time for Oscar Piastrireally the nineteenth for the reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Few straights
Mercedes and Mc Laren have gone into crisis also due to the characteristics of the Monte Carlo city circuit. It is known that in the first part of the season the difference was made above all by the power of the Mercedes engine (which the Mc Larens are also fitted with), but among the tight curves of the Principality there are few opportunities to exploit the speed and it’s not all that surprising so where aerodynamics matter more Max’s Ferraris and Red Bulls had an advantage. Leclerc started very aggressively on the streets of his home circuit, he complained in the afternoon that he had not yet found the right feeling with the car, reporting some problems when braking. Lewis Hamiltonwho achieved his best result with the Red team two weeks ago with second place in Canada, he appeared very satisfied with the balance and performance of his Ferrari. During the night the mechanics of all the teams will work to fine-tune the single-seaters in view of the hour of official testing which will establish the starting grid. In no circuit is pole position as important as in Monte Carlo because overtaking is practically impossible. This is why Hamilton and Leclerc will do everything to confirm themselves and start in front of everyone.
