Lewis Hamilton described the Monaco circuit as “the most great track of all” after Ferrari’s promising start in the weekend before Saturday’s decisive classification for the Grand Prix. Hamilton finished third, just a tenth of his teammate in Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, who led both Friday practice sessions in his homeland.
Ferrari has had a difficult 2025 and was not expected to compete for the victory in Monaco, but both pilots showed a good rhythm from the beginning, despite incidents in traffic for Hamilton and a Leclerc collision with Lance Stroll. Hamilton commented: “It was incredible. It is the most great track to drive. The funniest. Every year is a pleasure. It doesn’t matter what car you are.” Despite not yet achieved a pole with Ferrari, Hamilton highlighted the sensation that the car gives: “With adherence, speed, narrow and fast track, it is the best roller coaster of the year. It is a privilege. Only 20 pilots conduct this track.”
Hamilton knows where he can improve: “There is more to find in my driving, in the lines and braking. For example, I have a tenth to win only in curve 1. There are details here and there in the entire return.” Plan to make only subtle adjustments in the car, as a small change in the changer angle, but nothing more.
Although Sunday’s career will have two mandatory tire changes, which can encourage the Grand Prix, the classification remains crucial due to the difficulty of advancing in Monaco. Leclerc, who won the Monaco Grand Prix last year, will seek to maintain his good rhythm, although he is not completely convinced of Ferrari’s performance yet: “Friday in Monaco is always special and specific. I think everyone is taking references. It is too early to feel very positive about the weekend.” However, Leclerc positively valued the day: “I have felt very good with the car. He did not start as I wanted with the clash with Lance, but then it was all good and I am happy with the car. The rhythm in a lap was strong and comfortable with any compound, so that is a good sign. The classification will be fundamental and we have to start ahead if we want a good result.”
On the other hand, Lando Norris de McLaren avoided problems during the day but was surpassed by his partner Oscar Piastri in the second practice, finishing fourth and three tenths of Leclerc. Norris admitted that he still has a hard time getting clean clean turns: “Here it is always fun but stressful, sometimes difficult to achieve clean turns. I felt comfortable from the beginning but I need to improve in some areas.”
Piastri had a rare error when hitting the wall in curve 1 during the second session, but could go back and wasting little time on track. Despite this, he finished second faster behind Leclerc, benefiting from the evolution of the track. He commented: “The day has been a rise and low. When we get everything, the rhythm is quite good. It is not easy, so there are things to improve. For me it has been a fairly messy day, but the rhythm of the car is there. Ferrari seems much stronger than before.”
Red Bull, on the other hand, seems to be out of the fight after Friday, with Max Verstappen tenth and seven tenths of the best Leclerc time. Verstappen explained that they made changes in the car for the second practice that did not work well: “I could not attack the curves as I wanted and lost a lot of rhythm. I do not hope to be the fastest, but we want to be much closer. Ferrari seems very fast and McLaren is also close. Ferrari has taken a big step forward here.”
The weekend in Monaco continues with the classification on Saturday, which will be key to defining the departure positions on a track where to advance is very complicated.
The controversy in Monaco has all the ingredients to become viral: a legendary pilot, a controversial decision and an iconic scenario. On Facebook, algorithms reward the content that generates strong emotions, and this story has everything: outrage, loyalty and passionate debates. Fans are not only discussing the incident, but they are also sharing memes, analysis and theories about whether the commissioners have something personal against Hamilton.
In addition, the short video format, such as the reels that circulate showing the maneuver from different angles, has driven virality. Formula 1 groups on Facebook are full of publications that invite users to comment: “Do you think the penalty was fair? Leave us your comment!” This type of interaction is key for the content to be recommended by the platform algorithm.
Despite this stumble, Hamilton is still one of the favorites to shine in the season. Its ability to overcome adversities, both on and off the track, has made it an icon not only of sport, but also of popular culture. Monaco’s controversy, far from weakening it, seems to have further turned on the fire of his followers, who defend it with fervor in each publication.
Meanwhile, Formula 1 prepares for the next race, but the echo of “This is unacceptable!” He will continue to resonate. Will the commissioners be back in the center of the controversy? Will Hamilton achieve this frustration into a victory? Only time will say it, but one thing is safe: in the world of formula 1, there is never a boring moment.
