Lewis Hamilton set the pace in the second practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix, posting a time of 1:13.026 to lead a Ferrari one-two with Charles Leclerc. The result underscored the Scuderia’s apparent strength on the circuit’s narrow, twisty layout, with Hamilton’s performance raising expectations for a potential first victory with his new team.
Ferrari’s Dominance Confirmed in Monaco FP2
Hamilton’s blistering lap in the SF-26 proved decisive, outpacing Leclerc by a narrow margin and leaving Max Verstappen in third. The Mercedes duo of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli trailed in fourth and fifth, highlighting the gap between Ferrari and the rest of the field. McLaren’s Lando Norris, a consistent challenger this season, acknowledged Ferrari’s advantage, stating, “Monaco is probably a track where we suit better than some others.” However, the data from the session suggested otherwise, with Ferrari’s car excelling in the low-speed corners that define the circuit.
Hamilton’s confidence was evident as he arrived at the circuit on a silver Ducati motorcycle, a lighthearted contrast to the high-stakes competition. The seven-time world champion, who joined Ferrari this season, has yet to secure a victory with his new team, but his performance in Monaco hinted at a breakthrough. “The SF-26 has its strengths in tight corners and lower speeds,” Hamilton said. “Ferrari is clearly better than all other teams here.”
Implications for the Monaco Grand Prix
The session results have shifted the narrative ahead of the weekend’s main event. While Ferrari’s dominance was expected, the margin of Hamilton’s lead over Leclerc—his teammate—suggests a potential internal rivalry that could influence race strategy. Norris, who finished second in the opening practice, emphasized the challenge of competing against the Italian team. “All of us expect Ferrari to dominate in Monaco,” he said. “The sessions confirmed that.”
The performance also raises questions about the competitiveness of other top teams. Mercedes, despite fielding two of the season’s most consistent drivers, struggled to match Ferrari’s pace. Verstappen’s Red Bull, typically a strong contender, was left in the dust, further cementing Ferrari’s position as the team to beat in Monaco.
As the field prepares for Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race, the focus will remain on Hamilton’s ability to convert his practice form into a victory. A win would mark a significant milestone in his Ferrari career and add to the drama of a season already filled with twists.
