Ferrari is being tipped as the overwhelming favorite for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, with Formula 1 rivals convinced the Scuderia will deliver their first victory of the 2026 season. The Italian team heads to the principality with what competitors believe is the strongest package for the unique demands of the Monte Carlo street circuit, potentially ending Mercedes’ dominant start to the campaign.
Charles Leclerc expressed cautious optimism about Ferrari’s prospects at his home race, stating: “If there’s one race this year where I feel we could have more of a shot at pole, it would be Monaco. And I hope it will be the case.” The Monegasque driver, who recently signed a contract extension with Ferrari, acknowledged Mercedes’ strength while highlighting Monaco as Ferrari’s best opportunity to challenge for pole position this season.
Rival teams have been unanimous in their assessment of Ferrari’s Monaco potential. Reigning world champion Lando Norris declared that Ferrari’s low-speed performance is “far better” than the competition and predicted they would secure pole position. Mercedes championship leader Kimi Antonelli pointed to Ferrari’s engine as a key factor for their expected pace around Monaco, while McLaren team principal Andrea Stella identified Ferrari as “probably the favourite” for the weekend.
The confidence in Ferrari stems from their proven Monaco DNA, which has translated effectively to the new 2026 regulations. Despite only winning once at Monaco in the past six attempts (2024), Ferrari has maintained their traditional strengths in kerb-riding and short-duration corner performance. Stella explained that while McLaren also excels in low-speed sections, Monaco features “extremely low speed” corners that represent “its own range,” particularly in the second sector where Ferrari is expected to excel.
Monaco’s unique characteristics could also neutralize Ferrari’s primary weakness this season – their V6 engine deficit compared to Mercedes. Since the Monte Carlo circuit is not power-sensitive, Ferrari’s superior chassis performance should come to the fore without being compromised by straight-line speed disadvantages that have hindered them at other venues this year.