McLaren and Norris Tip Ferrari as Monaco GP Favorites

Lando Norris and Andrea Stella have both named Ferrari as the clear favorites for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, citing the SF-26's exceptional low-speed performance as the key advantage. The tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo are expected to neutralize Mercedes' straight-line speed dominance, putting the Scuderia in a prime position to claim victory.

Why it matters:

Monaco is a unique track where car characteristics can override season-long form. With Mercedes dominating the 2026 season so far – Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 43 points after wins in Australia, China, Japan, Miami, and Canada – a Ferrari win could reshape the championship narrative. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are 13 and 16 points behind Russell respectively.

The details:

• Lando Norris: "I think the Ferrari will be on pole in Monaco. Their low-speed performance is far better than everyone else."
• Andrea Stella endorsed this view, noting Ferrari's "competitive chassis in the corners" and their strong showing in Canada's low-speed sector one.
• Stella also highlighted that Ferrari loses time on straights, but Monaco has very few straights, neutralizing that weakness.
• McLaren themselves were strong in Monaco last year, with Norris securing victory. The team's current development has optimized low-speed performance, making them competitive but likely behind Ferrari.
• Stella cautioned that medium/high-speed corners like Casino, Tabac, and the Swimming Pool complex still matter, but the extremely slow sections favor Ferrari.

What's next:

The Monaco Grand Prix will be a crucial test of Ferrari's ability to convert low-speed advantage into a win. A Ferrari pole and victory would tighten the championship battle, while McLaren looks to repeat last year's success and Mercedes aims to extend their dominance.