Ferrari will introduce its ADUO-permitted engine upgrade at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, alongside aerodynamic improvements and Monza-specific components for its home race.
After reliability checks confirmed Ferrari was more than 4% behind the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) benchmark, the team was granted permission to use two engine upgrades during the season. Ferrari has now chosen to deploy its first power unit update immediately.
Ferrari engine upgrade targets Mercedes deficit
Ferrari’s engineers, led by Enrico Gualtieri, have approved a new power unit featuring a revised combustion chamber and turbocharger. The upgrade is expected to deliver an additional 15 horsepower, potentially halving Ferrari’s performance deficit to Mercedes’ engine, regarded as the strongest all-round package.
Ferrari is also set to benefit from new fuel developed by Shell. The 067/7 engine, permitted under the ADUO regulations, has passed the required reliability threshold in repeated bench tests.
The team is therefore targeting a strong result in front of its home crowd at Monza. Engineers are focusing on maximizing peak power and adjusting torque delivery to improve the distribution of electrical energy.
Ferrari prepares Monza aerodynamic updates
Ferrari will also introduce a more aerodynamically efficient version of its Macarena rear wing, which has not been used at previous events. The team will retain the blown exhaust, although it could be modified if further drag reduction is required at Monza.
The Scuderia will run a special livery celebrating Michael Schumacher’s success with Ferrari. The Italian team sees the Italian Grand Prix as an opportunity to restart its title challenge after failing to reach the podium in the last two rounds.
Ferrari has received an additional boost from Mercedes, which has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid after taking a full power unit change. Reliability problems earlier in the season have already pushed the Italian driver beyond his permitted engine allocation.
Antonelli’s Mercedes team-mate, George Russell, is not currently expected to receive a penalty. Baku is considered a possible venue for a power unit change because of its similar track characteristics to Monza, allowing Mercedes to place one driver at the front while attempting to disrupt Ferrari’s challenge.
Monza has not been a strong venue for Ferrari in recent years. The team has won only three of the last 19 Italian Grands Prix, but it knows it must respond after being outscored by McLaren in the previous two rounds and falling 87 points behind Mercedes in the Formula 1 world constructors’ championship.
Ferrari had the race pace to challenge Mercedes at the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, but a difficult qualifying session and imperfect race execution prevented the team from achieving the strongest possible result, according to team principal Fred Vasseur.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished directly behind George Russell at Zandvoort. Vasseur believes Ferrari was faster than Mercedes over race distance, but both Ferrari drivers started outside the top two rows after qualifying, while slow execution during the race cost the team further opportunities.
“I think the pace was strong, I think at least stronger than Mercedes,” the Frenchman told Sky Sports, “but it is like it is, that we have to now have a deep look on what we did and what we did wrong.”
Ferrari lost ground through starts and pit strategy
Leclerc also endured a slow getaway at the second start, allowing Oscar Piastri to pass him around the outside at Turn 1. The overtake was particularly notable because Piastri was running hard tyres while Leclerc had softs.
Ferrari later made a slow pit stop with Leclerc and missed an opportunity to move ahead of Russell after Leclerc had cleared Piastri. Vasseur said the Ferrari’s performance was “not an issue” in the Netherlands, but the team failed to unlock its potential during Saturday’s qualifying session.
“I think the pace this weekend was good, at least, in both races,” he noted, speaking to the media after the race. “If we missed something this weekend it’s more the quali first. Not in the sprint quali, but in the [main] quali, we had a poor preparation with an out-lap and so on.
“And the execution [in the race] was not that good, because we had a very strong start in the first start, and in the second start we lost position with soft compared to some hard competitors, and this is unexpected. And then we had a poor pitstop and then it was difficult. But the pace itself was decent, it’s not an issue at all.”
Tyre preparation hurt Ferrari in qualifying
Leclerc qualified third for Friday’s sprint race, only 0.055 seconds behind Russell, while Hamilton was sixth, 0.624 seconds off pole position. However, both Ferrari drivers struggled to generate enough tyre temperature in Saturday’s qualifying session and ultimately qualified fifth and sixth.
Ferrari had even used an additional preparation lap compared with its main rivals in Q3. Hamilton identified tyre performance as the key problem after qualifying.
“I think the tyres were the biggest culprit today, just really struggling to get the tyres to work,” he commented after qualifying. “They’re not really in in the first sector, that’s where we lost most of our time, and then they get better through the lap. Just do an out-lap and a prep lap, and the tyres are still not ready for Turn 1, it’s just nuts.”
Asked whether Ferrari should focus on upgrading the car or wait for its new power unit before targeting improvements in qualifying, Vasseur said the team first needed to understand how to prepare its tyres more effectively for flying laps.
“For sure, it’s always better to have a better aero, better suspension, better engine, it’s always helping,” Vasseur said. “But I think if we miss something in quali… but it was not true all the season. We had some races like Spielberg where we did a better job in quali than in the race. We were in the first row, we were second and third and we struggled a bit more in the race.
“The issue is that in quali, it’s a lot about the out-lap preparation, tyre management. But it’s a different approach of the tyre management in quali than in the race. You can be good on one side and not on the other one, from one weekend to the other. This weekend, I think we had a decent approach for the sprint quali, a bit more difficult [on Saturday] with cold conditions. And it’s so tight that on the sprint quali you have four cars in six-hundredths of seconds.
“You saw Lewis on the first day. He had to slow down a little bit after Turn 10 [on his outlap], because he had two or three cars in front of him and he lost [time in] Turn 1. It cost him two or three tenths and in this case you are losing four positions and it’s becoming a poor quali. It’s true for us, but it’s true for everybody, that you have to put a lot of effort in the preparation of each lap.
“If we have to learn something from the weekend, it’s not about the pure potential. It’s more about execution these two days. We were able to be there in terms of performance at some stages of the weekend, but we have to be there always.”
Ferrari remains second in the standings
Ferrari leaves Zandvoort second in the championship standings, 87 points behind Mercedes. McLaren has won the last two races with Lando Norris and reduced its deficit to Ferrari to 75 points ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
Formula 1 fans have delivered their verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s “sassy” team radio messages during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where the Ferrari driver openly expressed his frustration with the team’s strategy.
The seven-time world champion complained that he was being held up by Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, despite the Monegasque driver running on a different strategy.
Hamilton later questioned whether he was being used as a “guinea pig” after asking to pit and change his hard tyres, only for Ferrari to keep him out on track.
Although Hamilton has since apologised for his comments and admitted that he did not show the best version of himself during the race, fans debated the incident on social media.
“Ferrari pitwall is the one who should apologise; either they should clearly tell Charles to ‘box or swap with Lewis’ 1 lap before,” one fan commented on Reddit.
Another added: “I’ve been saying this from Hungary, Ferrari want to play fair to their drivers, but they need to realise each race they need to prioritise which one has better strategy.”
A third fan criticised Ferrari’s approach, writing: “Why bother having your drivers on different strategies if you aren’t going to use team orders to maximise results… F***ing Ferrari man. It’s like they want us all to think they’re playing 3D chess, problem being they showed up with checkers pieces,”
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
“Loving sassy Lewis,” another fan posted. However, one commenter argued that Hamilton should have kept his criticism for a private post-race discussion.
“I hate to see this slander broadcast. It’s just disrespectful towards his team. The team that provides him with the second-best car on the grid. Save it for face-to-face, when the cameras are not on you, Lewis.”
Hamilton accepted responsibility for his comments in a post-race message to fans.
“I’ve listened back to some of my radio and TV comments. In the heat of the moment, frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do. But that wasn’t the best version of me.
“I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better. That passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we’re building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on.”
George Russell has revealed the defensive tactics he used to hold off a late challenge from Lewis Hamilton for the final podium place at the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver started the Zandvoort race from second on the grid, but was overtaken by team-mate Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap. Russell moved back ahead after the pit stops, although Antonelli was running an alternative strategy with a tyre advantage.
Mercedes subsequently instructed Russell to move aside in the closing stages, allowing the championship leader to reclaim second place. That left Russell defending from Hamilton, who was charging through the field while leading both Ferrari drivers late in the race.
“It was tough,” Russell said after the race when asked how he kept the seven-time champion at bay.
“I think Kimi’s and my race was kind of the opposite. I had a tough medium stint, he had a very strong medium stint, then I had a strong hard stint, he was struggling. But that VSC gave Lewis the free pitstop, and obviously Kimi pitted as well.
“From there on in, I knew I was going to be under threat, but I was managing enough in the high-speed corners to allow me to be fast in sector three and defending into Turn 1. So, I was pleased with that performance.”
George Russell finished third behind Kimi Antonelli. Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Russell expects Mercedes challenge at Monza
Russell acknowledged that Mercedes had endured a “challenging couple of weekends” after McLaren won in Hungary and then triumphed again at Zandvoort following the summer break.
Mercedes remains ahead in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, but McLaren has continued to improve through successive upgrades. Ferrari is also expected to introduce a new engine at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, meaning Mercedes cannot afford to become complacent.
“I think these coming two or three race weekends will be a challenge for us both [Antonelli and him], purely because we’re out of sync with the upgrades,” Russell added.
“I think we will be slightly more competitive [at Monza]. However, I believe Ferrari have an engine upgrade incoming, and the truth is we just don’t know. But I do believe that these high-degradation circuits [like Zandvoort] really suit McLaren very well, and especially Lando. He’s always been a bit of a specialist in those conditions. We also saw it last year. Monza may be slightly different, but I think they are the team to beat right now.”
Russell is currently second in the drivers’ standings, level with Hamilton on 183 points. Both Mercedes drivers are 59 points behind championship leader Antonelli.
George Russell has revealed how he defended his podium position from a late attack by Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton at Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix.
Russell explains how he held off Hamilton
Russell qualified second for the race at Zandvoort but was overtaken by Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap. The Mercedes driver moved back ahead of his young team-mate after the pit stops, although Antonelli was running an alternate strategy with a tyre offset.
Mercedes subsequently asked Russell to give up second place in the closing stages so Antonelli could reclaim the position. That left Russell defending from Hamilton, who was charging through the field and had already passed both Ferrari drivers late in the race.
“It was tough,” Russell said after the race when asked how he kept the seven-time champion at bay.
“I think Kimi’s and my race was kind of the opposite. I had a tough medium stint, he had a very strong medium stint, then I had a strong hard stint, he was struggling. But that VSC gave Lewis the free pitstop, and obviously Kimi pitted as well.
“From there on in, I knew I was going to be under threat, but I was managing enough in the high-speed corners to allow me to be fast in sector three and defending into Turn 1. So, I was pleased with that performance.”
George Russell finished third behind Kimi Antonelli. Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Mercedes faces growing McLaren and Ferrari threat
Russell acknowledged that the podium capped a “challenging couple of weekends” for Mercedes after McLaren won in Hungary and again at Zandvoort following the summer break.
Mercedes continues to lead both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, but McLaren has been improving steadily through successive upgrades. Ferrari is also expected to introduce a new engine at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, leaving Mercedes with little room for complacency.
“I think these coming two or three race weekends will be a challenge for us both [Antonelli and him], purely because we’re out of sync with the upgrades,” Russell added.
“I think we will be slightly more competitive [at Monza]. However, I believe Ferrari have an engine upgrade incoming, and the truth is we just don’t know. But I do believe that these high-degradation circuits [like Zandvoort] really suit McLaren very well, and especially Lando. He’s always been a bit of a specialist in those conditions. We also saw it last year. Monza may be slightly different, but I think they are the team to beat right now.”
Russell is currently second in the drivers’ standings on 183 points, level with Hamilton. Both Mercedes drivers are 59 points behind championship leader Antonelli.
Ferrari has been awarded two upgrade tokens through Formula 1’s Additional Upgrades and Opportunities (ADUO) system to modify the power unit in its SF-26. The team has assembled the two updated engines for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, but must still decide whether to introduce them at next week’s Italian Grand Prix.
The final decision is expected at the end of this week, when Ferrari approves the parts being sent to Monza. Although the timing may appear unusual, it reflects the complexities created by the current Formula 1 regulations.
Ferrari’s upgraded engine faces final testing
Formula 1’s mandatory summer shutdown has not worked in Ferrari’s favour. The closure of the Maranello factory extended the testing period for the new engine, designated 067/6. Before it can be used during a race weekend, the power unit must pass an endurance test by completing at least six grands prix on the test bench without reliability problems.
Ferrari’s Gestione Sportiva engine department reportedly has 21 cells equipped with advanced test benches. However, cost limits and the aim of maintaining a level playing field mean that only two or three dynamometers are used, with strict time restrictions further extending the process.
If a reliability issue emerges and a minor modification is required, the approval procedure must stop and the entire testing process must begin again. As a result, Ferrari is taking a cautious approach before giving the green light for the ADUO2 engine to be installed in the SF-26 cars that Hamilton and Leclerc will drive at Monza.
The Ferrari cars are also expected to run a special celebratory livery commemorating Michael Schumacher’s time with the Maranello team.
New Ferrari power unit targets Mercedes
The upgraded project is expected to remain a six-cylinder engine while delivering approximately 15 additional horsepower and a revised power curve. Ferrari hopes the changes will reduce its qualifying and race deficit to Mercedes and improve the hybrid system’s charging phase.
The Ferrari cars could feature a new engine and livery in Monza. Photo by Eric Le Galliot.
Ferrari has modified both the Garrett turbochargers and the combustion chamber to make better use of the new Shell fuel approved for Monza. The expected performance gain comes from the combined effect of the higher-calorie fuel and the more advanced combustion system.
Ferrari is not arriving at Monza as the outright favourite. The Temple of Speed’s characteristics do not appear to suit the SF-26 on paper, but the team hopes Hamilton and Leclerc can qualify close to Mercedes, which is expected to lead the field.
Mercedes home driver Kimi Antonelli will also face an engine penalty at his home race and is expected to start at least 20th.
Italian Grand Prix to test 2026 engine hierarchy
The Italian Grand Prix will be an important test of the Formula 1 engine order following the adjustments permitted under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system. Monza will provide a particularly demanding benchmark because its layout makes electrical energy recovery difficult.
According to the FIA’s latest engine assessment, Red Bull remains the benchmark for internal combustion engine performance. Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and Audi are all attempting to close the gap after receiving upgrade tokens for use during the 2026 and 2027 Formula 1 seasons.
Ferrari is preparing for next week’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where anticipation is building for the debut of a new engine expected to significantly reduce Mercedes’ power advantage. The Scuderia hopes the upgrade can reignite the Formula 1 world championship battle, with Lewis Hamilton second alongside George Russell behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Ferrari will also unveil a special tribute to Michael Schumacher at the 97th Italian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion remains one of the most beloved figures in Formula 1 and a defining part of Ferrari’s history.
Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2004. Photo: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Ferrari to honor Michael Schumacher at Monza
The Italian Grand Prix at the Temple of Speed takes place 30 years after Schumacher claimed his first victory with Ferrari in 1996 and 20 years after his final win for the team in 2006. Between those victories, he delivered a decade of unprecedented success, securing five world titles and 71 wins during the most glorious period in Ferrari’s history.
Hamilton’s and Charles Leclerc’s SF-26 cars will therefore feature a special livery dedicated to Schumacher. Monza will provide an appropriate stage to recognize the German driver’s extraordinary performances, which have since become legendary.
Michael Schumacher, world champion with Ferrari’s F1-2000. Photo: Sutton Images
Schumacher has lived in an unknown condition since suffering a dramatic skiing accident in Méribel on 29 December 2013. His wife, Corinna, and their family continue to care for the former champion and will have the opportunity to witness the Formula 1 community’s enduring affection for one of the greatest figures in racing history.
A series of initiatives dedicated to Schumacher is being prepared for Monza and will be officially announced in the coming days. The Italian Grand Prix is expected to draw a huge crowd, not only because of the championship battle involving home favorite Antonelli and Ferrari, but also because of the tribute Ferrari is planning for Schumacher.
Netflix Confirms Drive to Survive Season 9 for 2026 F1 Championship
Netflix has officially greenlit a ninth season of its hit Formula 1 docuseries Drive to Survive. The new instalment will chronicle the unfolding 2026 championship, a campaign already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. While episode details remain under wraps, the first half of the season has delivered a wealth of compelling narratives poised to fill the expected ten-episode run.
Kimi Antonelli’s Meteoric Rise Shakes Up the Title Fight
The standout storyline of 2026 so far is the astonishing ascent of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. In only his second season in Formula 1, the Italian became the youngest driver ever to lead the World Championship standings after securing back-to-back victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. His surge in performance blindsided a paddock largely focused on his more experienced team-mate, George Russell.
Antonelli has since amassed six Grand Prix wins in the opening half of the campaign, establishing a commanding 59-point lead over Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who are currently level on points in second and third respectively.
George Russell’s Trial by Fire at Mercedes
Russell entered 2026 as a clear title favourite, winning the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race. However, his championship challenge unravelled dramatically. As Antonelli strung together five consecutive wins, Russell endured a catalogue of misfortune: car failures in China and Canada, an ill-timed safety car that ruined his strategy in Japan, and multiple pit-lane speeding penalties in Monaco.
Though the Briton has since recovered to remain in mathematical contention, the intra-team dynamic at Mercedes—specifically the contrast between Russell’s frustration and Antonelli’s seamless adaptation—offers ripe material for the series’ signature tension.
New Technical Regulations Take Centre Stage
The 2026 rule overhaul—introducing smaller, lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and power units with a near 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power—is certain to feature prominently. The changes drew sharp criticism from several drivers and fans, criticism that intensified following Oliver Bearman’s 50G crash at the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident prompted the FIA to mandate further safety revisions for 2027, a reactive development that underscores the turbulence of the regulation transition.
Aston Martin and Williams: High Hopes, Hard Reality
Two of the sport’s historic names have endured nightmare starts to the new era.
Aston Martin arrived at pre-season testing carrying immense expectation: the first year of a Honda power-unit partnership and the first car designed under technical legend Adrian Newey. Instead, the Silverstone squad grappled with fundamental chassis and power-unit deficits, delaying their B-spec upgrade until the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team currently languishes 10th in the Constructors’ Championship.
Williams entered 2026 on a wave of optimism built throughout 2025, only to arrive at testing with an overweight car after missing a crucial private test in Barcelona. The unexpected five-week spring break—caused by the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix—allowed the Grove outfit to shed weight, yet performance remains elusive. The team is targeting a recovery with upgrades slated for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Renaissance
After a difficult maiden season with the Scuderia in 2025, Lewis Hamilton has found his footing in 2026. The revised regulations appear to suit his driving style more favourably than the previous ground-effect generation, and a mental reset over the winter break has visibly sharpened his form.
Hamilton claimed his first Ferrari podium with third place in China, followed by runner-up finishes in Canada and Monaco. The breakthrough arrived at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he secured his inaugural Grand Prix victory for Maranello. The seven-time champion now sits third in the drivers’ standings, level on points with Russell and 59 adrift of Antonelli.
A “Not-So-Silly” Silly Season Settles Early
Despite a frenzy of summer-break rumours, the 2027 driver market has largely stabilised:
Max Verstappen quashed speculation linking him to Mercedes, McLaren, or retirement by signing a Red Bull extension through 2030.
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon both committed long-term futures to Williams, silencing doubts sparked by the team’s struggles.
Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin future remains uncertain, with retirement or a surprise move to Alpine both plausible.
Esteban Ocon faces intense scrutiny at Haas after being consistently outperformed by team-mate Oliver Bearman across 2025 and 2026, casting doubt on his 2027 retention.
New Entrants Cadillac and Audi Write Their Origin Stories
The grid expanded to eleven teams in 2026, adding fresh narrative threads.
Cadillac debuted with a veteran line-up of Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. Despite zero points and reliability woes, the American operation has earned paddock respect for its structural solidity.
Audi, having completed its full takeover of Sauber, sits a respectable eighth in the Constructors’ table. However, the German manufacturer’s campaign was jolted in March by the abrupt departure of team principal Jonathan Wheatley—a corporate shake-up tailor-made for documentary treatment.
McLaren’s Resurgence Reignites Title Hopes
Reigning champions McLaren started 2026 on the back foot, the regulation shift dropping them behind Mercedes and Ferrari. Yet a potent upgrade package sparked a dramatic turnaround: Lando Norris captured back-to-back victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix, catapulting the 2025 champion back into title contention and ensuring the Woking squad’s storyline remains very much alive.
With the championship barely past its midpoint, Drive to Survive Season 9 has no shortage of high-stakes drama to document—from generational talent clashes and regulatory growing pains to corporate upheaval and redemption arcs. The cameras are rolling.
Leclerc Questions Ferrari Pit-Stop Timing at Dutch Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc openly questioned a Ferrari strategy decision during the Dutch Grand Prix that potentially cost him a podium finish at Zandvoort. The pivotal moment came on lap 43 when the team called the Monegasque driver into the pits, leaving him with insufficient tyre advantage to challenge George Russell for third place in the closing stages.
“I didn’t really understand why we had to box so close to George’s pitstop,” Leclerc said after the race, speaking to Sky Sports. “Because that really was kind of signing to finishing behind George, because with a two or three laps difference, for me there wasn’t much I could have done, and I felt like there was a bit more in my tyres.”
Leclerc had been running within a second of Russell before the Mercedes driver pitted at the end of lap 40. Extending his stint could have created a tyre-life offset similar to the strategy that delivered Lando Norris the race victory. Norris, after being held up by Kimi Antonelli, stopped seven laps later than the Italian rookie and used fresher tyres to close the gap and seize the lead. Ferrari, by contrast, brought Leclerc in just three laps after Russell.
“I was very surprised to box so early when we had done exactly what we wanted,” he said. “George was pitting and so that was the time for us to do five, ten laps longer to build a tyre delta and to come back at the end on George.
“Unfortunately, two laps later I was told to box, which I did I think three laps later.”
Hamilton Factor and Radio Exchange Reveal Tension
One contributing factor may have been Lewis Hamilton, who was on an alternative strategy and caught Leclerc at a critical juncture. The seven-time champion demanded a position swap, though it remains unclear whether Ferrari pitted Leclerc to avoid impeding his teammate. Leclerc confirmed he preferred to stay out.
“I need to review the way the situation was looking,” he said, when asked whether he’d been willing to swap positions with Hamilton and extend his stint, “but I was happy to go longer.”
The team’s initial call came on lap 42, prompting a sharp response from Leclerc over the radio.
“What do you mean? This fucks my race if I stop two laps after Russell.”
“Hello?”
“Yeah coming back to you”
“Charles, we want to box”
Leclerc drove past the pit entry, still disagreeing, only to receive the command again on the following lap.
“So box Charles box, will be for hard.”
After the stop, he rejoined roughly six seconds behind Russell and trimmed the deficit to under two seconds within a dozen laps. However, the pace delta proved too small for a pass at Zandvoort, where overtaking demands a larger advantage. A virtual safety car on lap 55 allowed Ferrari to pit Hamilton, and Leclerc stopped as well, locking him into fifth. Both Ferraris finished behind Russell.
Missed Undercut Opportunity
The race highlighted Ferrari’s inability to convert strong pace into a podium due to multiple execution errors. Leclerc’s afternoon was compromised early when he lost position to Oscar Piastri at the restart. Stuck behind the McLaren during his first stint, he could not deploy the Ferrari’s speed.
The team delayed his first stop and fitted mediums versus Piastri’s hards to facilitate an overcut, but a slow pit stop left Leclerc six seconds adrift. He closed the gap in six laps and passed Piastri on lap 34, by which time Russell was only three seconds ahead. Ferrari then had a window to undercut the Mercedes but hesitated.
“I think it’s a lot about execution,” admitted Vasseur, speaking to Sky Germany. “Pace was good and even strong, I think, compared to Mercedes. The issue is that at the second start we lost position on Piastri. We were stuck behind him. We lost a lot of time – and then when we were able to be in front, at one stage we were quite close to the undercut on Russell. But there was a group of cars, a bit of confusion – and we didn’t do it.
“It’s our mistake, my mistake. But overall it’s more a matter of execution.”
At the end of lap 40, Ferrari instructed Leclerc to “Box opposite to Russell,” but the Mercedes driver pitted immediately, eliminating the undercut chance. Vasseur acknowledged the error, though pitting a lap earlier might not have succeeded either, as Leclerc would have emerged behind a train of lapped cars including Carlos Sainz, Franco Colapinto, and Arvid Lindblad.
With the undercut gone, the only viable path to third was extending the second stint to build a tyre delta against Russell — a tactic Ferrari ultimately declined to use. Despite Vasseur’s assertion that the Scuderia’s race pace surpassed Mercedes’, it was Antonelli and Russell who stood on the podium, with Hamilton and Leclerc close behind.
Qualifying Pace Identified as Root Cause
Leclerc emphasized that while strategy errors were costly, the fundamental limitation was Ferrari’s qualifying performance. Starting from the third row at a circuit where overtaking is difficult forced the team into reactive strategic gambles.
“I mean a frustrating race to be honest,” Leclerc said after the finish, “because things went the wrong way for things we cannot really control, with the virtual safety car timing, it wasn’t so great for us. But at the end of the day I think the pace was strong, we had a good overtake on Oscar, I think good tyre management.
“The thing we need to understand is our qualifying pace. This is truly where we are lacking at the moment.”
Let’s be trustworthy, being swept up in what gave the impression to be Kim and Khloé Kardashian’s entourage in all probability wasn’t on Holly Willoughby’s bingo card when she accepted an invite to attend the Monaco Grand Prix. However it’s what it’s.
The previous This Morning presenter, who left ITV’s flagship selection present again in October 2023, was joined by Michael McIntyre on the grid, with the pair being stopped for an interview with Sky Sports activities.
Simply seconds after admitting she and her fellow broadcaster have been ‘so fortunate’ to be on the occasion, the pair gave the impression to be shunted apart by members of the press vying for a chunk of the Kardashian clan.
In hilarious footage, Kim, 45, and Khloé, 41, who have been on the GP supporting Sir Lewis Hamilton, 41, could possibly be seen weaving their means by way of the gang, by accident interrupting Willoughby and McIntryre’s interview.
Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre’s Sky Sports activities interview was interrupted when the Kardashian’s arrived (Sky Sports activities)
“It’s the Kardashians! It’s the Kardashians! I’m becoming a member of them,” the British comic cried as he trundled alongside after the businesswomen.
To her credit score, Kim did look again over her shoulder however didn’t make an observation about McIntyre’s outburst or the ‘trashed’ interview.
“I’ve simply been hit by a wave. You recognize once you’re on vacation and a wave hits you? And it’s like ‘that’s truly fairly harmful’ – we’ve been Kardashian waved! My again’s gone,” McIntyre quipped.
Willoughby, who has since damaged her silence, joked on the time that her pal virtually ‘joined in’ with their posse.
“I feel one thing belonging to Kim – I’m not saying something – might have struck me in my decrease again space,” he added. “And I [have] acquired to let you know, it harm.”
The comic joked that he had ‘harm’ himself within the ‘Kardashian wave’ (Sky Sports activities)
Willoughby and McIntryre’s off-the-cuff Monaco GP interview has gone viral throughout social media, with many praising the pair for a way they dealt with the second.
“Respect to all three of them for dealing with it with class and making jokes about it,” typed one.
Kim Kardashian and her entourage barge previous UK TV presenters Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre throughout reside interview at F1 Monaco. Kardashian additionally sparked backlash after snubbing famed Sky Sports activities presenter Martin Brundle as he accused her safety of pushing him. pic.twitter.com/RF2xO8TRWd
Nevertheless, a second mentioned: “Why do individuals get flustered over these Kardashians?”
Another person used the chance to defend the Kardashians, writing: “Seems extra just like the individuals chasing them across the paddock are accountable.”
Holly Willoughby breaks silence
Willoughby, who mentioned she was on the Monaco GP on Sunday (7 June) with the Atlassian Williams F1 workforce, has since taken to Instagram to element her expertise through the pre-grid stroll.
“What a weekend! Monaco you didn’t disappoint… @williamsft1 workforce @jv.f1 thanks for having us,” she typed.
“Laborious to select a spotlight, grid walks, sizzling laps (I’ll submit this later, secure to say I wasn’t constructed for velocity) all topped off by getting caught up in a @kimkardashian fly previous.
The star uploaded a montage of her time on the sporting occasion (Instagram/@hollywilloughby)
The star, who has appeared in episodes of Ted Lasso, The Masked Dancer, and on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel in 2020, additionally thanked two individuals referred to as Barry and Daimo for his or her ‘hospitality’.
“That’s one weekend that I’ll always remember,” the mum-of-three added.
Lewis Hamilton discusses Kim Kardashian’s ‘assist’
Willoughby’s assertion comes amid Hamilton’s confession that he loved having his rumoured girlfriend on the grid with him.
After scoring a P2, the Ferrari sportsman sat down in a post-race interview to debate her presence.
“It’s wonderful to have her come this weekend and to have that assist,” he mentioned of the Skims founder.
Hamilton scored a P2 on the occasion (Bryn Lennon – System 1/System 1 through Getty Photographs)
He mentioned it was ‘unbelievable’ to be supported by his associates and that it was ‘wonderful’ to have a slew of ‘good individuals’ round him.
Concerning the ‘assist’, the British racing driver added: “She does that for me daily.”
Kim Kardashian’s so-called Martin Brundle ‘snub’
Alongside going viral for seemingly interrupting Willoughby and McIntyre’s Sky Sports activities interview, Kim made headlines for apparently ‘snubbing’ her personal.
In viral footage, former F1 driver Martin Brundle could possibly be seen attempting to drag the mother-of-four for a chat as she coasted round together with her sister.
Talking to Brundle, 67, at System One occasions is considerably of an unstated rule, which he has christened the ‘Brundle clause’ prior to now.
In footage, Brundle could possibly be seen introducing himself to Kim earlier than asking how she was.
The Skims founder selected to not give Martin Brundle an interview (Mark Sutton – System 1/System 1 through Getty Photographs)
Regardless of taking a look at him, the truth TV favorite elected to not reply.
A person who gave the impression to be a secruity guard appeared to step between the pair, with the Sky Sports activities reporter saying: “You don’t must push me, mate.
“Usually, individuals could have a fast chat with us. Are you having fun with F1?”
“Okay, Kim and Khloé, so we’re not speaking at this time. I prefer to consider they may do…”
Kim’s choice to not give an interview hasn’t gone down too effectively with followers, with one typing through social media: “Lewis ought to have had a phrase together with his Mrs and inform her, ‘Don’t ignore Martin. Lewis is aware of the rating’.”
One other mentioned: “Oh no, I believed I appreciated her till this. He is the legend right here.”
LADbible Group has beforehand contacted representatives of Kim Kardashian for remark.
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s relationship timeline
It’s not clear when Kardashian and Hamilton first cross paths; nonetheless, they’re pictured collectively at occasions with their companions on the time on a number of events over time.
Lewis Hamilton, Nicole Scherzinger, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (David M. Benett/Getty Photographs)
December 2025
The pair each attend Kate Hudson’s star-studded New 12 months’s Eve occasion in Aspen, Colorado.
February 2026
Courting rumours start to swirl as The Sun stories that they make a journey collectively to a luxurious resort within the Cotswolds, UK.
Simply in the future later, Kardashian and Hamilton are seen getting into a Paris resort collectively, earlier than heading to Aqua Kyoto for a date.
A supply tells People: “It was a romantic meetup.”
On 8 February, the celebs make their first public look collectively as they’re noticed on the Tremendous Bowl.
March 2026
Kardashian and Hamilton share related desert panorama snaps on Instagram, suggesting they have been on a visit with each other.
A supply tells Us Weekly: “They’re going sturdy and actually completely satisfied. Lewis is head over heels and people closest to him consider he has lastly met his match. He has waited over a decade for his dream woman and is loopy about her.”
Following the 2026 Self-importance Truthful Oscars afterparty, Kardashian posts a pic of her Gucci look. Hamilton feedback with a heart-eyed emoji.
He commented on certainly one of Kardashian’s submit (Instagram)
Later that month, they’re photographed in Tokyo collectively. The racing automotive driver is in Japan for the F1, whereas Kardashian is there for a spring break trip with sister Khloé and their kids.
April 2026
Kardashian makes her debut on Hamilton’s Instagram web page, showing in a video of him driving, the place she says: “That’s insane.”
The pair are seen watching Justin Bieber’s headline set at Coachella weekend one.
Kardashian seems to soft-launch Hamilton on Instagram as she’s seen sitting on a person’s (who has tattoos that appear to match Hamilton’s) lap. She captions the post: “Coachella Hallelujah.”
June 2026
The thriller arm seems to belong to Hamilton (Instagram/@kimkardashian)
Kardashian exhausting launches Hamilton on her Instagram feed, posting a pic and video of them biking in NYC in her carousel.
“These days,” she writes within the caption of the submit.
Days later, the truth star helps him in Monaco for the Grand Prix. She’s seen hugging Hamilton earlier than the race after which watching from the sidelines.
Hamilton says of Kardashian after the race: “It’s wonderful to have her come this weekend and to have that assist.
“It’s wonderful to have good individuals round you, good individuals supporting you, and she or he does that for me daily.”
