Jun.2 (GMM) Ferrari is emerging as the clear favourite for Monaco, with even championship leader Kimi Antonelli backing the Italian team ahead of this weekend’s race.
McLaren’s Lando Norris first tipped Ferrari as the benchmark after Canada, and Antonelli agrees.
“It’s going to be very interesting how we do there, but for sure Ferrari is the favourite because obviously also with that winglet they have in the back, it’s giving them a lot of downforce at low speed,” said the Mercedes driver.
The prediction comes despite Charles Leclerc enduring what he called the worst weekend of his career in Montreal, while teammate Lewis Hamilton finished P2.
But Leclerc, a Monaco specialist and hometown hero, is not worried. “The feeling will return there,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“I’m not worried, our car is much more Monaco-like than Canadian.”
Leclerc also revealed he will study Hamilton’s data in search of answers.
“The only positive thing is that Lewis had the same car as me, and by looking at his data I’ll try to find some answers to this struggle of mine.”
Meanwhile, Mercedes may lose part of its apparent engine advantage.
From Monaco onwards, FIA checks will measure engine compression ratios at operating temperatures rather than ambient conditions, following rival suspicions that Mercedes had found a legal way to run unusually high compression levels under race conditions.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, meanwhile, fears another painful weekend on Monaco’s famously bumpy streets. “We’re going to have difficulties on any bumpy track,” he admitted.
Asked about Monaco specifically, Verstappen laughed: “Oh yes, it’s going to be fantastic! I think I’m going to order a new back.”
The new regulations are also unlikely to transform Monaco’s long-standing overtaking problem, according to Haas boss Ayao Komatsu. “I think things will stay the same in Monaco,” he said.
“We should just accept the way the races are going there rather than try to fix anything.”
While Antonelli arrives with a 43-point championship lead, his father Marco is urging caution.
“Kimi is doing well, even beyond expectations, but I think he still has to grow,” he said. “In one year of Formula 1 you can’t learn what other drivers have learned in six, eight, or ten years.”
“I think he will be truly ready in a few years.”
Former driver Ralf Schumacher believes the pressure is instead mounting on teammate George Russell. “Russell’s situation is unlikely to improve,” he predicted.
Schumacher even sees the potential for Mercedes’ title fight to develop into a repeat of the famous Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry.
“I suspect that sooner or later Antonelli and Russell will collide,” he said. “One thing we can be sure of is that Russell is depressed right now.”
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES