Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Hamilton leads Ferrari one-two in second practice
Lewis Hamilton topped second practice for the Monaco Grand Prix ahead of Charles Leclerc, as Ferrari completed another one-two finish and strengthened its position as an early favourite for pole position.
Ferrari continued its impressive start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend on Friday, with Lewis Hamilton setting the fastest time in the second Formula 1 practice session around the streets of Monte-Carlo.
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After Charles Leclerc topped the opening session earlier in the day, the Scuderia once again showed strong pace as teams stepped up preparations for Saturday's crucial qualifying session.
Ferrari takes control
Drivers headed back out for another hour of running in the afternoon, using the session to fine-tune setups and gain confidence on one of Formula 1's most demanding circuits.
At the halfway point, Max Verstappen led the timesheets for Red Bull, ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell and Hamilton.
But as conditions improved and lap times continued to fall, Ferrari moved to the front.
Hamilton fastest under the chequered flag
When the session came to an end, it was Hamilton who topped the leaderboard with a fastest lap of 1:13.026.
The seven-time world champion finished ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, giving Ferrari the top two positions for the second session in a row.
Verstappen completed the top three for Red Bull.
Ferrari sends a warning ahead of qualifying
With Leclerc quickest in FP1 and Hamilton fastest in FP2, Ferrari heads into Saturday looking like one of the strongest teams on the Monaco circuit.
Qualifying is traditionally the most important session of the weekend in Monaco, where overtaking opportunities are limited and track position often proves decisive.
The battle for pole position is now shaping up to be a fascinating contest between Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes as the weekend continues in the Principality.