F1 2026: Monaco Grand Prix Preview and Predictions

Racing has reached the Principality for one of the most iconic races of the season as Formula One gets ready for the Monaco Grand Prix. Mercedes’ domination, a big regulation change from the FIA and a confident Ferrari means that there are plenty of things to look forward to at the venue of one of the oldest races on the circuit.

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix 2026, here’s our match preview and predictions.

Advantage Ferrari

Ferrari come into the Monaco Grand Prix being the only squad to score double points in all of the races so far in the Formula One 2026 season. Ferrari might not have a win under their belt this season yet but the Scuderia will come to the Principality high on confidence for a couple of reasons. 

One reason will be that it is their driver Charles Leclerc’s home race with the Monégasque having won here previously in 2024. Against a dominant McLaren last season, Leclerc managed to stay in touch to finish a close second and will be high on confidence once again. Ferrari know that their task will be cut out with the start Mercedes have had and with McLaren beginning to look like they’ve regained some form.

One more reason why Ferrari will feel confident coming into this encounter would be because of the change the FIA has made heading into the Monaco Grand Prix 2026. The FIA has announced that the race will not feature a designated Straight Mode zone, meaning the moveable wings will be made unavailable. This should play right into the hands of Ferrari, with their car currently suffering from low power from their PU at high engine speeds but is one of the strongest cars with regards to chassis and aerodynamics through medium- and low-speed corners.

Downforce will be key once again with Mercedes having a big advantage but it will be Ferrari in the mix for the win and don’t be surprised if Leclerc or his teammate, Lewis Hamilton are on the top step of the podium on Sunday.

Pole prediction: Charles Leclerc / Kimi Antonelli

Race winners prediction: Mercedes / Ferrari

Midfield consistency

One of the surprises of the Formula One 2026 has been Alpine. The French team had a season to forget in 2025, finishing bottom last in the Constructors’ Standings, being almost 50 points behind Sauber in ninth but the French team looks like they have addressed some of their concerns. 

Alpine has scored points every race this season and scored their second double points finish last time around in Canada. While the team continues to struggle on Saturdays, they have shown strong race pace as Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto have helped the team sit in the best of the rest spot in the Constructors’ table. Despite a double points haul in Canada, both drivers were vocal about getting more out of the car and with Gasly even saying he’s not at his most comfortable in the car, points finishes will be a promising sight and with upgrades set to come in for the upcoming races, expect Alpine to hold their own in the midfield and be strong points scorers. 

A big fall from grace

One of the two teams who are yet to score and objectively look a few steps behind their competitors is Aston Martin. The British team who were fighting for wins with Red Bull in 2023 has had a shocking fall with the Aston Martin team going from being the best of the rest and threatening to challenge the front-runners to looking like they don’t have an idea on how to score a point. 

Reliability and technical issues plagued to kick off the season and while things just looked like it might be getting better, there was another race to forget in Canada. No race pace, no car performance and not being able to get the car adapted to the conditions meant that Alonso failed to finish the race while Lance Stroll finished P15 out of the 16 cars that saw the chequered flag. 

With less focus on the engine, Aston Martin might have a better weekend in Monaco but don’t expect an instant uptick in performance from the Silverstone-based outfit. 

F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Race details

Circuit: Circuit de Monaco
Venue: La Condamine and Monte Carlo, Monaco
Practice Session 1 time: 17:00 IST, June 05, 2026
Practice Session 2 time: 20:30 IST, June 05, 2026
Practice Session 3 time: 16:00 IST, June 06, 2026
Qualifying time: 19:30 IST, June 06, 2026
Main race time: 18:30 IST, June 07, 2026
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode