Formula 1 fully entered the Monaco Grand Prix atmosphere this Wednesday, with Ferrari emerging as one of the main protagonists even before the cars hit the track. Charles Leclerc renewed his contract with the Italian team on a multi-year deal, while rivals began pointing to Maranello’s squad as the favorite to contend for pole position on the streets of Monte Carlo.
Ferrari’s favoritism gained traction after remarks from Lando Norris and McLaren’s boss Andrea Stella. Both highlighted the SF-26’s characteristics, especially its cornering performance, as a key differentiator for a circuit where straight-line speed has limited impact. Leclerc himself, however, sought to downplay expectations around the team for the weekend.
Another topic stirring the paddock was the future of the driver market. An analysis of Ferrari’s scenario indicated that Lewis Hamilton’s contract could directly influence potential moves involving Max Verstappen in the coming years, underscoring how decisions in Maranello continue to reverberate throughout the paddock.
Cadillac was also in the spotlight ahead of the season’s sixth round. The team confirmed the arrival of a new update package for the Monaco Grand Prix, in an attempt to close the gap to rivals and gain competitiveness in the European phase of the championship.
On the Brazilian side, Gabriel Bortoleto drew attention by commenting on the frequent comparisons with Ayrton Senna. The Audi driver handled the topic with respect, but highlighted the importance of building his own path in Formula 1. A resident of Monaco, Bortoleto will race practically at home this weekend and arrives in the Principality surrounded by expectations after recent signs of evolution from the German team.
