Monaco GP: Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc among drivers predict 2026 F1 cars will thrive on road circuit | F1 News

After much debate about Formula 1’s latest set of regulations in the early stages of the season, the 2026 cars could come into their own at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Monaco is the most famous circuit on the F1 calendar but often makes for very few Sundays due to the lack of overtaking opportunities around the tight road circuit.

This situation makes qualifying in regulation perhaps the most intense and exciting session of the season, but ideally it will be possible to change the race order without rain or reliability issues.

Billed as the biggest control change in the sport’s history, both the new power unit and chassis were introduced earlier this season.

A major outlier on the calendar in terms of the Monaco circuit style, the regulations weren’t designed with this event in mind, but it could be a track where the changes have a big impact.

Chassis regulations have created smaller cars that are easier to follow, both elements creating potential opportunities on extremely tight circuits.

Power-unit changes, focused on improving stability, increased to 50-percent electronic power, a move that proved highly controversial as drivers were challenged to ensure they had enough power to drive flat for a full lap.

The combination of Monaco’s many slow corners and relatively few straights means recharging the battery is not expected to be a problem, allowing drivers to push on without worry.

Few know the circuit better than Charles Leclerc, who now grew up racing his Ferrari on the road, and finally claimed a first home race win in 2024 after securing third pole position in Monaco.

“I think Monaco is actually going to be one of those races where these cars can be very good,” Leclerc said.

“We have the light car now, which I think is a good thing, we can definitely feel it and it has advantages for a track like Monaco.

“I think the electric side is going to be a lot less big in Monaco because we’ll be recharging a bit with all the corners there.

“So, I’m pretty excited for Monaco, it should be a good track for these cars.”

Antonelli: We may see some overtaking

World championship leader Kimi Antonelli was even more bullish in his predictions for the race, suggesting he thought overtaking would be possible.

The 19-year-old Italian will arrive in Monaco with a 43-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate Jorge Russell at the top of the standings, but the unique nature of the circuit means the Silver Arrows could face a major challenge in their bid to extend the five-race winning streak with which they opened the season.

“We may see some overtaking because the cars are smaller,” Antonelli said. “Obviously, you still have to commit heavily to this move, but I think it won’t be impossible.

“I think it will be more fun to drive around the track.

“It’s going to be interesting with smaller cars with batteries

“Obviously the closing speed has been discussed with the FIA. I think Monaco will not be a problem (for) because it is very easy for the battery because you don’t have long straights, so we will not face this problem on the track.”

Norris: Monaco is always special

Perhaps the most consistent complaint from drivers is about the new regulations preventing power units from flat out on qualifying laps.

Drivers need to change their approach to the corner so that they have enough charge to push for the full straight.

Almost every driver on the grid seems to agree it’s not right, and that qualifying, and to a lesser extent the race, should be pushed to the limit.

Reigning world champion and last year’s Monaco winner Lando Norris says that while drivers will still be occupied by the complexity of the new power units, flat out shouldn’t be a problem.

“Monaco can be one where you can confidently push the flats with no problem,” said the McLaren driver. “But you’re still thinking about gear, revs, boost pressure, all of that at every corner.

“I haven’t done it in the simulator yet so I don’t know how many of these issues sometimes come into play, but being at the top of the pack before the long straights and things like that will definitely be less of an issue.

“But Monaco is always special, no matter what car you’re in, no matter how much electricity you get in it or not.

“Obviously, Monaco is one of them, especially qualifying, you look forward to more than anything.”

Watch the Monaco Grand Prix, the first of six races in eight weeks, on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime