(Motorsport-Total.com) – Five races, five wins and a comfortable lead in both world championships: Mercedes has had the Formula 1 season 2026 firmly under control so far. But precisely at the most prestigious race of the year, the dominance of the Silver Arrows could be seriously tested for the first time.
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Many observers see Ferrari as favorites on the narrow streets of Monaco. The Scuderia has made a strong impression this season, especially in slow corners, while Mercedes was able to exploit its biggest advantages on tracks with long straights and high engine power.
Accordingly, the circuit in the Principality is considered a potential turning point. But Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, of all people, wants nothing to do with a clear favorite role. “No,” the Monegasque replies to the question of whether Ferrari is indeed going into the weekend as the top favorite.
“I think we are in a better position. If there’s one track where I would bet on us, it’s probably Monaco.” Nevertheless, Leclerc remains cautious. The performances of the first races of the season remain the most important benchmark for him.
“I still believe that Mercedes has had a clear advantage since the beginning of the year.”
Leclerc warns of Mercedes strength
The Ferrari driver makes no secret of the fact that he still considers the competition from Brackley as the benchmark. While Ferrari is already 72 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship, no team has yet managed to seriously pressure the Silver Arrows over a complete race distance.
Therefore, Leclerc also expects a strong performance from the world champion team in Monaco. “I think they will be very, very strong,” he says. His focus is not only on Mercedes. The Ferrari driver also sees McLaren and Red Bull as serious opponents.
“I think McLaren will be very strong. I think Red Bull will be very strong.” At the same time, however, Leclerc recognizes an important difference compared to the previous races of the season.
On the fast circuits, Ferrari repeatedly had difficulties masking the speed disadvantage on the straights. Precisely this weakness could be significantly less important in Monaco. “On the tracks so far, we had quite big problems on the straights,” explains Leclerc.
Monaco could play into Ferrari’s hands
The narrow guardrails, the slow corners and the short full-throttle sections traditionally make Monaco an exception in the Formula 1 calendar. While engine power often plays a decisive role elsewhere, mechanical grip, traction and chassis quality are paramount in the Principality.
Precisely there, Leclerc sees his team’s greatest strengths. “That should be less of a problem here,” he says, referring to the previous top speed deficits. At the same time, he refers to the characteristics of the Ferrari SF-26.
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“We have a strong package, both in terms of chassis and aerodynamics.” The characteristics of the street circuit could therefore perfectly suit the car from Maranello. “I think that could help us.”
However, that is not enough for a clear challenge. Despite all hopes, Leclerc remains convinced that the favorite role still lies with Mercedes. “Mercedes will, in my opinion, still be the team to beat.”
Norris sees Ferrari ahead
Interestingly, a direct rival is also among those who give Ferrari particularly high chances before the weekend. McLaren driver Lando Norris had already stated after the Canadian Grand Prix that Ferrari currently has a noticeable advantage, especially in slow corners.
“Their performance in slow corners is significantly better,” the world champion had noted. This assessment aligns with the impression of many experts in the paddock. Precisely the numerous hairpins and slow changes of direction in Monaco could suit Ferrari’s strengths.
Nevertheless, Norris does not see his own team as without a chance. The Briton won the Monaco Grand Prix last year and, despite the recent retirement in Montreal, travels to the Côte d’Azur with cautious optimism.
McLaren remains cautious
However, Norris admits that the starting position twelve months ago was more favorable. “Our approach to this weekend last year was probably a bit better than this season,” he explains. Therefore, the McLaren driver does not expect quite the same competitiveness as in his Monaco success in 2025.
Nevertheless, the goals remain ambitious. “We still want to go into the weekend with the goal of fighting for pole position and victory.” At the same time, Norris does not want to raise expectations too high. “Ferrari and Mercedes were obviously very strong, Mercedes even more so. We don’t want to get too carried away.”
Despite all the restraint, Norris implies that McLaren certainly believes in its chances. The team has worked its way into a position in recent months from which it can at least think of a top result.
“We have created the opportunity to arrive at race weekends with the belief that it is possible.” Thus, an exciting three-way battle is emerging before the Monaco Grand Prix.
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