Ferrari unexpectedly emerges as favorites in Monaco following Hamilton's rise.

      Ferrari has unexpectedly become a strong contender for Monaco, despite a shaky start to the 2026 season, with even their competitors now acknowledging that the Italian team might possess the fastest car for the streets of Monte Carlo. This prediction gained traction following the Canadian GP, where Lewis Hamilton secured a commendable P2 finish, despite Ferrari’s widely recognized shortfall in straight-line speed.

      "Given that this is a true straight-line-speed circuit and we managed to hold on to secure this result, it certainly raises my hopes for what’s to come," Hamilton remarked. The seven-time world champion has consistently stated that Ferrari’s primary weakness lies in its power unit—comments that some insiders in the paddock believe could also bolster the team’s advocacy for the forthcoming ADUO support from the FIA. "We have less power compared to those around us," Hamilton stated in Montreal. "Even with the overtaking, they still have an advantage on the straights."

      This deficiency may have significantly less impact in Monaco. Lando Norris surprised many by publicly naming Ferrari as the obvious favorite for pole position next weekend. Andrea Stella concurs with this assessment. "Analyzing the GPS data, it's evident that Ferrari is quite competitive in the corners," noted the McLaren team principal. "We observed that here in Montreal in the first sector." He added, "It's also vital to handle the curbs effectively. Ferrari loses most of its time on the straights."

      "However, there aren’t many straight sections in Monaco. This is why Lando is correct in considering Ferrari as the favorite for pole position." Monaco may also offer a more instinctive experience for drivers under Formula 1’s contentious 2026 regulations, following ongoing criticisms concerning energy management at power-sensitive circuits. "With numerous hard braking areas, the drivers will find it easier to recharge their batteries there," explained Stella. "It will feel more natural for them once again."

      "For the cars, though, it will be an entirely new challenge." Stella is confident that McLaren should also perform well. "In its present development stage, McLaren is better equipped for slow corners than for medium and high-speed turns," he acknowledged. "I view Ferrari as the favorite, but McLaren should also be competitive."

      Meanwhile, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur admitted to being surprised by the team’s performance in Montreal. "To be honest, we didn’t anticipate being in such strong form," Vasseur stated. "McLaren and Mercedes introduced significant updates, and we expected to face some challenges." He added, "But Hamilton had the pace to contend for the front row in both qualifying sessions. He pushed intensely and caught up with Verstappen. We're striving at the factory to keep improving."