Mercedes have dominated 2026 so far, but the streets of Monte Carlo present Ferrari with their best chance yet to strike back. Photo: AFP
The stars have aligned and it looks like Ferrari have a chance of winning their first race of the season. That is if Kimi Antonelli lets them.
After months of chasing Mercedes, Ferrari head to Monaco with something they have not enjoyed all season — genuine optimism. The Scuderia are yet to stand on the top step of the podium in 2026, watching as Mercedes and teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli have dominated the opening races of the campaign.
But Monaco is unlike any other circuit on the F1 calendar, and that could finally swing the balance in Ferrari's favour. The narrow streets of Monte Carlo are famous for producing races where overtaking is almost impossible.
The barriers sit inches from the racing line, the corners are tight and the opportunities to pass are few and far between. In modern F1, Monaco has become a "no-overtake mode" race where track position is king.
