Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Antonelli sets the pace in final practice before qualifying
Kimi Antonelli topped the final Formula 1 practice session in Monaco ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, setting up an intriguing battle for pole position later this afternoon.
Kimi Antonelli delivered another strong performance on the streets of Monte-Carlo today, topping the final Formula 1 practice session ahead of this afternoon's crucial qualifying session.
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With just one hour of track time remaining before the battle for pole position, teams used FP3 to fine-tune their cars and make final preparations around Formula 1's most demanding street circuit.
Antonelli leads the way
The Mercedes rookie showed impressive pace throughout the session and was already at the top of the leaderboard at the halfway point.
He was followed by Charles Leclerc in second and Mercedes teammate George Russell in third, underlining the Silver Arrows' strong form heading into qualifying.
The session was briefly interrupted after Oliver Bearman crashed at Massenet Corner, forcing race control to bring out the red flags.
After a short delay, the track was cleared and the session resumed with only a few minutes remaining, giving drivers one final chance to improve their lap times.
Mercedes and Ferrari look strongest
When the chequered flag fell, Antonelli remained fastest, ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The result continued an encouraging weekend for both Mercedes and Ferrari, who have consistently featured at the front throughout practice.
Top three in FP3:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
All eyes on qualifying
Attention now turns to qualifying, which gets underway at 4pm.
With overtaking notoriously difficult around Monaco's narrow streets, securing a strong grid position is often the key to success on race day, making Saturday's session one of the most important of the season.
Antonelli arrives with momentum after topping final practice, but local favourite Charles Leclerc and Ferrari will be hoping to challenge for pole position in front of the home crowd.