2026 Monaco Grand Prix - Monte Carlo, June 05 - 07

[AR3-GP]

These comparisons are never quite accurate. Even very minor angle or distance differences can be notable when we're trying to measure small detail differences like this.

Mclaren said they chose a shorter wheelbase to reduce weight. Source is somewhere in the MCL-40 tech thread.

[CjC]

I’m glad Newey is able to attend this weekend. He’ll be able to watch first hand the cars revving their nuts off whilst going around the Loews hairpin to charge the battery- like he suggested they may have to many years ago

[AR3-GP]

I’m glad Newey is able to attend this weekend. He’ll be able to watch first hand the cars revving their nuts off whilst going around the Loews hairpin to charge the battery- like he suggested they may have to many years ago

I don't think that will be necessary this year since he probably didn't account for the K power cuts they have done for this track. This track will be completely oversaturated on the K. Effectively driving full time with around 700kW (ice + k).

[Seanspeed]

These comparisons are never quite accurate. Even very minor angle or distance differences can be notable when we're trying to measure small detail differences like this.

Mclaren said they chose a shorter wheelbase to reduce weight. Source is somewhere in the MCL-40 tech thread.

Not denying Mclaren might well be on the shorter side. But shortest is not something we can declare for certain here.

Also been pretty open that I dont think Ferrari should be considered defacto favorites.

[CjC]

I’m glad Newey is able to attend this weekend. He’ll be able to watch first hand the cars revving their nuts off whilst going around the Loews hairpin to charge the battery- like he suggested they may have to many years ago

I don't think that will be necessary this year since he probably didn't account for the K power cuts they have done for this track. This track will be completely oversaturated on the K. Effectively driving full time with around 700kW (ice + k).

[search]

as some pointed out the Miami stadium section as good reference for Monaco, here's how everyone did there during their best Q3 lap, in comparison to Antonelli



NOR -0,303
LEC -0,239
HAM -0,238
VER -0,217
PIA -0,050
ANT 0,000
HAD +0,107
RUS +0,147
COL +0,211
GAS +0,216

different deployment, mapping, tire management etc may play a part there as well, though, of course.

[avantman]

These comparisons are never quite accurate. Even very minor angle or distance differences can be notable when we're trying to measure small detail differences like this.

Mclaren said they chose a shorter wheelbase to reduce weight. Source is somewhere in the MCL-40 tech thread.

Not denying Mclaren might well be on the shorter side. But shortest is not something we can declare for certain here.
Also been pretty open that I dont think Ferrari should be considered defacto favorites.

Definitely shortest of all four top teams.

[gearboxtrouble]

What do we think pole is going to be here? I think mid 1:12s is a realistic target.

[venkyhere]

Interesting observation from a crude glance of FP2 laptime telemetry :

- Both Ferraris matched in terms of entry/exit points in the corners
- Verstappen prioritizes entry and sacrifices exit (w.r.t the Ferrari braking/rotation/throttle points) into every single corner, which results in no nett gain/loss, until the last corner
- After clearing Rascasse, at the last corner, this 'late braking tradeoff' proves detrimental for the 'straight' run to the start/finish and results in time loss for Verstappen.

Two opposite philosophies perhaps signifying the difference between the SF26 and RB22 - stronger rear v/s stronger front.

[search]

During the German FP2 coverage, Glock talked to Toto Wolff checking the cars' behaviour at the exit of the swimming pool chicane, saying that the Ferrari is by far the best car over the curbs, meaning they also get the power down earlier than everyone else. So I guess at least in some corners this contributes to their better exit speed as well.

[zibby43]

During the German FP2 coverage, Glock talked to Toto Wolff checking the cars' behaviour at the exit of the swimming pool chicane, saying that the Ferrari is by far the best car over the curbs, meaning they also get the power down earlier than everyone else. So I guess at least in some corners this contributes to their better exit speed as well.

That’s a trait that’s been baked into the Ferrari’s DNA for a few years now. Excellent mechanical grip.

[search]

Those Cadillac brakes start smoking after every hot lap. Not ideal

[venkyhere]

Those Cadillac brakes start smoking after every hot lap. Not ideal

I think they haven't accounted for 'not as much MGU-K assist in braking as typical tracks' situation with Monaco, and hence cooking their brakes.

[SB15]

Also think McLaren with shorter wheelbase could have an advantage.
Normally Ferrari would be on Pole but no XY-Mode could hurt them.
Or am I making a logic mistake?
Mercedes might be still on top as they have the "secret" mode of their PU. and as everyone thinks Ferrari will be on top they won't, so it Mercedes versus Mclaren... but maybe RB has the best Monaco package and VES will be Pole-man.

Dont know who is shortest specifically, but Ferrari has been pretty 'agile' in slower corners. Along with strong aero, that's why many are considering them favorites.

Seems silly to rule out Mclaren and Mercedes, though. ICE advantage is nice to have in Monaco and both teams have perfectly good chassis as well.

Lewis and Kimi are rapid in the slow speeds as well. So I don't think it's as conclusive now until we get actual running.

As expected!

[erudite450]

Good to see Hadjar showing that the Redbull is actually a fast car.