Ferrari Dominate Monaco GP Friday Practice as Hamilton and Leclerc Set the Pace

Ferrari made the clearest statement of Monaco Grand Prix Friday, topping both practice sessions as Charles Leclerc led FP1 before Lewis Hamilton completed another Scuderia one-two in FP2.

Ferrari arrived in Monaco carrying expectation. By the end of Friday practice, that expectation had become something much more serious. Around the streets of Monte Carlo, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton gave the Scuderia a perfect start to the weekend by locking out the top two positions in both FP1 and FP2.

Leclerc set the pace in first practice with a 1:13.978, delighting the home crowd and immediately confirming Ferrari’s strength on a circuit where slow-speed grip and confidence matter more than outright power. Hamilton then responded in FP2, producing a 1:13.026 to edge Leclerc by 0.111s and underline Ferrari’s position as the early team to beat.

Ferrari Sends a Clear Monaco Warning

Monaco was always expected to offer Ferrari an opportunity. The short straights reduce the importance of engine efficiency, while the slow corners reward a car that can rotate cleanly and give its drivers confidence close to the barriers.

That is exactly what Ferrari appeared to have on Friday. Leclerc looked immediately comfortable in FP1, while Hamilton’s FP2 benchmark showed that the pace was not limited to one side of the garage. For Ferrari, this was not a lucky lap. It looked like a complete team statement.

Ferrari did not just top one session in Monaco. It controlled the rhythm of Friday and placed both cars exactly where they needed to be before qualifying. F1LiveUpdates analysis

Leclerc Starts Strong at Home

For Leclerc, leading FP1 in Monaco carried familiar emotional weight. The Monegasque driver has often been spectacular around his home streets, and Friday suggested he could again be one of the main contenders for pole position.

His 1:13.978 in FP1 came during a disrupted session, making the performance even more important. Monaco practice is not only about the lap time; it is about building rhythm, confidence and precision. Leclerc had all three from the start.

Hamilton Answers Back in FP2

Hamilton then took control in second practice, leading another Ferrari one-two and showing that he is firmly in the fight for the front row. His 1:13.026 was the fastest time of the day and gave Ferrari the ideal closing image from Friday.

The seven-time world champion has been chasing a breakthrough Ferrari victory, and Monaco could offer one of his best opportunities if the Scuderia can maintain this balance into Saturday.

Verstappen Third Again as Red Bull Stays Close

Max Verstappen ended both sessions in third place, keeping Red Bull in the conversation despite the team’s ongoing concerns over bumps and kerbs. Monaco is one of the most demanding tracks for ride quality, and Red Bull arrived with questions to answer in that area.

Verstappen’s consistency in the top three suggests Red Bull is not out of contention. But Ferrari’s advantage over a single lap means Red Bull may need either a set-up step or a Verstappen special in qualifying to challenge for pole.

• Ferrari completed a one-two in both FP1 and FP2.
• Leclerc led the opening session in front of his home crowd.
• Hamilton set the fastest time of Friday in FP2.
• Verstappen finished third in both practice sessions.
• Monaco qualifying remains the decisive battleground.

Disruptions, Red Flags and Monaco Drama

Friday was not clean for everyone. FP1 was interrupted by red flags, including incidents involving Isack Hadjar and Fernando Alonso. Hadjar crashed at the Swimming Pool section, while Alonso also triggered a stoppage after going off in his Aston Martin.

FP2 also produced drama, with Lando Norris and Sergio Perez among those to hit trouble. Around Monaco, those interruptions are more than minor setbacks. Lost laps mean lost confidence, and confidence is the currency of the Principality.

Mercedes and McLaren Have Work to Do

Mercedes entered Monaco as one of the strongest teams of the 2026 season, but Friday practice suggested the tight street layout may reduce some of its usual strengths. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell were still competitive, yet Ferrari looked sharper over one lap.

McLaren also had a more complicated Friday than expected. As the team celebrates its 1000th Grand Prix weekend, it will need a cleaner Saturday to fight at the front. Norris and Oscar Piastri remain dangerous, but Ferrari currently appears to have the clearer path toward pole.

Qualifying Now Looks Like Ferrari’s to Lose

Monaco Fridays can sometimes flatter a team, but Ferrari’s performance across both sessions looked convincing. The car appeared well-suited to the circuit, both drivers delivered, and the timing screens backed up the pre-weekend expectation that Maranello would be a serious threat.

Still, Monaco never gives anything away. Traffic, red flags, tyre preparation and one small mistake can completely change the picture. Ferrari has the momentum, but Saturday will demand perfection.

Ferrari won Friday. Monaco qualifying will decide whether that pace becomes a real chance of victory or just another beautiful warning shot. F1LiveUpdates analysis

Friday Verdict

Ferrari leaves Friday as the clear headline team. Leclerc gave the home crowd the perfect opening act, Hamilton delivered the fastest lap of the day, and Verstappen kept Red Bull close enough to keep the pressure alive.

The Monaco Grand Prix weekend has started exactly as Formula 1 fans hoped: tight, dramatic and loaded with tension before qualifying. Ferrari looks ready. Now it must execute when the walls are closest and the pressure is highest.