Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli stuns Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to take pole, Max Verstappen joins front row

Monaco Grand Prix preview (AI generated image) It was Charles Leclerc and possibly the Prince of Monaco who should have taken pole position, but 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli had a different plan. It was all about Ferrari in the first three practice rounds until qualifying came around and Mercedes took pole position for the first time this decade.Monte CarloMonaco – In Formula 1 there are race weekends and then there is Monaco.The principality’s narrow lanes have humbled world champions, shattered dreams within inches of steel barriers and created some of the sport’s most iconic moments. In 2026, Monaco comes with a new story at the center: the rise of Kimi Antonelli.After four consecutive victories and a commanding lead in the drivers’ championship, the 19-year-old Mercedes wonder man arrived in Monte Carlo with the momentum of a future world champion. Still, Monaco presents a challenge unlike any other on the Formula 1 calendar. Raw pace is important, but grit is more important. The driver must dance millimeters away from the walls at a speed that leaves no room for error.As the weekend unfolded from Friday’s practice to Saturday’s qualifying, Monaco proved once again why it remains Formula 1’s greatest test of driver skill.First practice around Monaco is rarely about sheer speed. It’s a gradual learning process where grip exists and how close a driver can get to the barriers without becoming their latest victim. The first practice lap in Monaco was all Ferrari as Charles Leclerc, Monaco’s prince and home boy, set the fastest lap, followed by Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, while Max Verstappen finished third.

Monaco GP – results of free practice 1 (top 5)

Pos.DriverTeamTime / Gap1Charles LeclercFerrari1:13.9782Lewis HamiltonFerrari+0.226s3Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing+0.513s4Kimi AntonelliMercedes+0.559s5George RussellMercedes+1.005sThe second practice provided a clearer picture of the competition standings. Ferrari once again dominated the second practice session. In the second practice, Lewis Hamilton finished, followed by Charles Leclerc, and the quiet conqueror Max Verstappen finished third.

Monaco GP – results of free practice 2 (top 5)

Pos.DriverTeamTime / Gap1Lewis HamiltonFerrari1:13.0262Charles LeclercFerrari+0.111s3Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing+0.168s4George RussellMercedes+0.379s5Kimi AntonelliMercedes+0.503s

Saturday morning: Antonelli strikes back

If Friday belonged to Ferrari, Saturday morning belonged to Antonelli. The Mercedes driver made an emphatic statement during final practice, setting the fastest lap of the weekend and reminding his rivals why he currently leads the world championship.Kimi won the final practice session ahead of Ferrari, while Leclerc and Hamilton finished second and third respectively in the final practice session. Antonelli attacked the Monaco barriers with a confidence rarely seen in a driver of his age. Across the Swimming Pool complex and around the Rascasse, the Italian looked completely at ease and squeezed every available millisecond out of the Mercedes package.

Monaco GP – results of free practice 3 (top 5)

Pos.DriverTeamTime / Gap1Kimi AntonelliMercedes1:12.7202Charles LeclercFerrari+0.327s3Lewis HamiltonFerrari+0.331s4George RussellMercedes+0.763s5Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing+0.942s

Qualification: Real Monaco Grand Prix

Around Monaco, qualifying is often more important than the race itself.The tight layout of the circuit leaves few opportunities for overtaking, so Saturday practice is probably the most important hour of the weekend. Hamilton drove a great lap. Leclerc pushed aggressively in front of his home crowd. Verstappen got the most out of Red Bull. But Antonelli saved the best for last. With maximum pressure, the Italian set a stunning lap of 1:12.051 to secure pole position by just 0.043 seconds over Verstappen. It marked Antonelli’s fourth pole position in six races and further strengthened the growing belief that Formula 1 was witnessing the arrival of its next superstar.

Monaco GP – qualifying results and starting grid

Pos.DriverTeamQ3 Time / Gap1Kimi AntonelliMercedes1:12.0512Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing+0.043s3Lewis HamiltonFerrari+0.228s4Charles LeclercFerrari+0.300s5Isack HadjarRed Bull Racing+0.383 Russia Elimination13Nico HülkenbergAudiQ2 Elimination14Franco ColapintoAlpineQ2 Elimination15Arvid LindbladRacing BullsQ2 Elimination16Gabriel BortoletoAudiQ1 Elimination17Esteban OconHaasQ1 Elimination18Sergio PérezCadillacQ1 Elimination11iver BottasCadillacQ1 elimination21Fernando AlonsoAston MartinQ1 elimination22Lance StrollAston MartinQ1 elimination

Max was constant

Max was always in contention. He finished second in qualifying and will start alongside Kimi Antonelli on the front row. The Red Bull driver has built a reputation for maximizing opportunities under pressure, and starting alongside Antonelli keeps him firmly in contention for victory. Monaco often rewards strategic patience. One mistake, one safety car or one poorly timed pit stop can change the entire race.Verstappen knows better than most how quickly circumstances can change. If Antonelli falters, the Dutchman will be in a perfect position to cash in.

Ferrari is a missed opportunity

Ferrari entered the weekend believing that Monaco represented one of its strongest chances of winning in 2026.The pace was evident throughout the training session. The confidence was visible throughout the garage. Still, qualifying ultimately left the team wondering what it could have been. Hamilton secured a strong start from third, while Leclerc’s bid for pole was in jeopardy as he dropped to fourth after another frustrating chapter in his complicated relationship with his home Grand Prix.

Race forward

Everything is now looking towards a fascinating strategic battle on Sunday at 18:30 IST.Antonelli leads the race from pole position. Verstappen lurks right behind him. Hamilton stays close enough to take advantage of every opportunity. Leclerc carries the hopes of Monaco’s local supporters.