F1 arrives in Europe for the Monaco Grand Prix, the first time the paddock has returned to the continent since the closed-door pre-season shakedown in Barcelona.
The round in Monte Carlo is also the first time since the Japanese Grand Prix — in March — that the field will be afforded the luxury of three free practice sessions to build into the weekend.
F1 drivers' championship leader Kimi Antonelli endured a torrid time during the European leg of the 2025 campaign, and whilst he has a 43-point buffer over Mercedes team-mate George Russell to fall back on, he will want to vanquish the demons from last year.
Despite protests from the team, Ferrari must wear the favourite tag this weekend — for the first time this season. The SF-26 is a strong chassis, and the Scuderia's power unit has a small turbo, which should also be advantageous around the streets of the Principality.
That is not to mention the exhaust-blown winglet on the back of the Maranello-based squad's car, which also adds ever-critical downforce to the Italian outfit's package.
Nonetheless, beating Mercedes is still a considerable task. Which team will come out on top, or could McLaren and Red Bull spring a surprise?
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