Why is the Monaco Grand Prix anticipated to go well with Ferrari greater than McLaren, Mercedes or Pink Bull? – Andrew
Mercedes have dominated the 2026 season thus far, profitable all of the grands prix from pole place. The one time they’ve overwhelmed to both the entrance of the grid or a victory was within the dash in Miami, when Lando Norris took pole and the win for McLaren.
The explanation Monaco has been recognized as a spot the place that run might finish, significantly in favour of Ferrari, is to do with automotive, engine and driver traits.
Monaco is the least power-sensitive monitor on the calendar. In different phrases, it’s the monitor the place cornering efficiency – significantly at low and medium-speed – is most necessary, and engine energy least.
The Ferrari automotive this yr has proved to be fast within the corners, arguably the quickest. That is good for Monaco.
In the meantime, its engine has each strengths and weaknesses. It has good low-speed pick-up, therefore their good begins, however lacks top-end energy. Once more, good for Monaco, the place a responsive engine is a profit, and top-end energy is comparatively much less necessary.
As for the drivers, Charles Leclerc is an ace round Monaco. Up to now six years, he has certified on pole thrice, been second on the grid twice and third as soon as.
Lewis Hamilton has additionally historically excelled at Monaco, and is in significantly better type this yr after his struggles in 2024 and 2025.
He and Leclerc are tied 4-4 of their qualifying face to face this season, and Leclerc has a median benefit of solely 0.037 seconds.
Add all that collectively, and it is simple to see why Ferrari are fancied for a possible win this yr.
Having stated that, efficiency is efficiency. Ferrari’s common deficit to Mercedes in qualifying this yr is 0.447 seconds, and that is a giant margin to make up simply on a swing of traits.
And it might be unwise to rule out McLaren and Pink Bull. The McLaren was fast in Miami, and has proved significantly good in low-speed corners this yr. And Lando Norris received in Monaco from pole final yr. Whereas Max Verstappen is excellent at all times.
It may very well be the closest weekend of the yr thus far.
