Lewis Hamilton is desperate for his first victory with Ferrari. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Ferrari dominates in Monaco: Is Hamilton on the verge of his first victory?

Record world champion Lewis Hamilton has boosted hopes for his first Formula 1 victory in Ferrari by setting the fastest time in Monaco practice.

June 05, 2026

From: dpa/det

The 41-year-old Briton set the fastest lap on the opening day in Monte Carlo, beating his teammate Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver had previously topped the first practice session ahead of Hamilton, and Ferrari starts the sixth Grand Prix weekend of the year as clear favorites.

Third place in practice went to Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen, who was faster than both of the recently dominant Mercedes drivers. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli had to concede fourth place to his closest title rival, George Russell, in the second Mercedes. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Sky about Ferrari's strength: "In the tight, twisty sections, they're in a league of their own."

Mercedes is still undefeated this year

World champion Lando Norris, winner in Monaco last year, suffered another setback in Canada with his McLaren after his gearbox failure. The defending champion parked his car just minutes into the second practice session due to a battery problem. The session had to be interrupted shortly before the end because the brakes on Sergio Perez's Cadillac caught fire.

In the World Championship standings, Antonelli leads his teammate Russell by 43 points ahead of Sunday's race (15.00 p.m. CEST/RTL and Sky). The 19-year-old Italian has won four races in a row, and Mercedes remains undefeated in Grand Prix races this season.