Antonelli: Ferrari is the 'team to beat' in Monaco due to low-speed downforce advantage

Kimi Antonelli has identified Ferrari as the "team to beat" at the Monaco Grand Prix, pointing to a specific aerodynamic advantage that could end Mercedes' four-race winning streak. The 19-year-old, who has won every grand prix since the season opener, admits the tight streets of the Principality will test his title charge, especially given his struggles there last year.

Why it matters:

Monaco is a circuit where low-speed downforce and traction are critical, and Ferrari's SF-26 has shown a clear edge in those areas. After a dominant start to 2026 by Mercedes—interrupted only by Lando Norris' Miami sprint win—this weekend could finally deliver the Scuderia's first victory of the campaign. Antonelli's 43-point lead over teammate George Russell is healthy, but Russell's bad luck has masked a close title fight.

The details:

• Ferrari's SF-26 has a slight cornering advantage over rivals, evident from early-season races.
• The team's small turbo design is also expected to work in its favor on the tight Monaco streets, improving throttle response.
• The key differentiator is the exhaust-blown winglet at the rear of the car. Antonelli explained: "With that winglet they have in the back, it's giving them a lot of downforce at low speed."
• Antonelli's own Monaco performance last year was "messy," a pattern he aims to avoid this time.
• Mercedes' recent dominance—four straight wins—may not translate to Monaco, where mechanical grip often trumps overall power.

What's next:

Antonelli insists he will still push for the best result, despite acknowledging Ferrari's edge. "I'll try to do my best, to put myself in the best position," he said. But the consensus in the paddock is that the Prancing Horse enters the weekend as the favorite, and a breakthrough win could reshape the championship narrative.