The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix is not just a race. It is an entire story that has tied itself into knots over the past few days. Leclerc has just extended his contract at Ferrari for "the coming seasons", an announcement made symbolically before his home Grand Prix. Antonelli arrives with four consecutive wins and the chance to become the first Italian driver to win Monaco since Jarno Trulli in 2004. Russell is seeking redemption after Canada's fury. And all of it without a single DRS zone, an unprecedented FIA decision for the streets of Monte-Carlo. Experience this extraordinary season in our F1 2026 collection, premium streetwear inspired by the paddock.
The Bombshell of the Week: Leclerc Extends at Ferrari
The announcement came on Tuesday, in the thick of Monaco preparations. Charles Leclerc signed a multi-year contract with Scuderia Ferrari, confirming his future in red for "the coming seasons". The news immediately reverberated across the entire paddock, not least because it closes the door on a possible Verstappen move to Ferrari.
What makes this announcement particularly powerful is the timing chosen. Leclerc signs his extension just before taking on his home race, the one where he has dreamed of winning since childhood. Born in Monte-Carlo, raised in these streets, he knows Monaco is his circuit more than any other. The extension was a signal sent to Ferrari, but also to himself: he will be there to write the next chapter of this story.
I am incredibly happy to extend with Ferrari. The team believes in me, I believe in this project. Now we have work to do on track. And there is no better place to start than Monaco.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari statement, June 2026
🏆 Historic record on the line on Sunday
If Antonelli wins Monaco, he will be the first Italian driver to win in Monte-Carlo since Jarno Trulli in 2004
22 years of waiting · Schumacher · Alonso · Räikkönen · Hamilton · Vettel · Rosberg · Verstappen · Leclerc without a win · Norris 2025 · Antonelli 2026?
Antonelli: Trulli's Record in His Sights
The number is dizzying. The last time an Italian driver won the Monaco Grand Prix was Jarno Trulli in his Renault in 2004. Twenty-two years later, Kimi Antonelli arrives in Monte-Carlo with four consecutive wins and the chance to write his name in the history books in a way nobody had anticipated at the start of the season.
The challenge at Monaco is unlike anything else. Here, the power of the Mercedes engine counts for little. What matters is absolute precision, circuit knowledge and the ability to qualify at the front. Antonelli has never raced in Monaco in Formula 1. That is both his strength and his weakness.
22
Years since the last Italian win at Monaco
5th
Consecutive win Antonelli is targeting on Sunday
2004
Jarno Trulli, Renault: last Italian winner in Monaco
The Big Change: Monaco Without Any DRS Zones
It is an FIA decision that will fundamentally change the dynamics of the weekend. For the first time since the introduction of DRS in 2011, Monaco will have no wing activation zones whatsoever, neither in qualifying, nor in the race, nor even on the pit straight. The decision is linked to the introduction of active aerodynamics in the 2026 regulations: the FIA judged that the peak speeds generated by this technology would be too high and too dangerous in the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo.
In practice, this decision means Monaco 2026 will be even less conducive to overtaking than previous years. Pole position takes on an even more absolute importance. And teams that excel in qualifying, such as Ferrari and McLaren, could be at an advantage over Mercedes, which typically relies more on straight-line speed.
The Drivers on the Attack on Sunday
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari · Monaco
Contract extended, home circuit, Ferrari strong in qualifying without DRS. The ideal combination for him to finally realise his Monaco dream. The number 1 favourite for pole on Saturday.
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
4 wins in a row. Trulli's record in his sights. First Monaco in F1 career. Engine possibly weakened by FIA June 1st ruling. Championship favourite, Monaco outsider.
George Russell
Mercedes
Canada's fury as fuel. Needs points to stop Antonelli running away with it. Monaco can level the field entirely or confirm his team-mate's dominance.
Lando Norris
McLaren · Defending winner
Defending Monaco champion. Won here in 2025 from pole. McLaren strong on this circuit. Without DRS, his aerodynamic package could be a real asset.
The Standings Before Monaco
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points | Gap |
|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 131 | Leader |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 88 | 43 pts |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 75 | 56 pts |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 67 | 64 pts |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 51 | 80 pts |
| 6 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 41 | 90 pts |
What Makes Monaco 2026 Even More Special
- Leclerc's extension: Signed symbolically before Monaco, it says clearly that Ferrari is building its future around him. A win here would be the finest possible start to this new shared era.
- Aston Martin in iridescent livery: The British team unveiled a special Monaco livery featuring a colour-shifting material that changes appearance depending on viewing angle and light. The most beautiful car in the paddock this week.
- 22 cars on track: With Audi and Cadillac in their first full season, Monaco with 22 single-seaters in streets designed for 16 will create a spectacular qualifying battle.
- The FIA engine regulation: Since Monday June 1st, engines are controlled at 130°C. First real test of the impact on Mercedes' performance, even if Monaco remains the calendar's least engine-power-sensitive circuit.
- Lewis Hamilton with 7 wins here: The absolute record on this circuit. Hamilton in full confidence after his Canada podium. An 8th Monaco win would be one of the most extraordinary records in sporting history.
Monaco 2026: A Race That Will Write History
There is no ordinary Grand Prix in Monaco. But 2026's edition is particularly loaded. A defending Monaco champion returning to defend his crown. A championship leader who can write his name into the Italian history books. A Monegasque prince who just signed his extension and dreams more than ever of his home win. A Briton who needs to bounce back from Canada. And for the first time, a Monaco without any DRS zones, which will completely redraw the hierarchy between teams. On Sunday at 3:00 PM, the streets of Monte-Carlo will answer all these questions. Discover the full world of F1 passion at Tourismo Clothing.
Leclerc has signed. Antonelli chases Trulli. Monaco will decide. See you Sunday 3:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Leclerc extended his contract at Ferrari?
Yes. Charles Leclerc signed a multi-year contract with Scuderia Ferrari, officially announced just before the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. Ferrari confirmed Leclerc will remain with the team "for the coming seasons". The announcement was made symbolically before his home race, a strong signal of mutual trust between the Monegasque driver and the Scuderia.
What record could Antonelli set at Monaco in 2026?
If Kimi Antonelli wins the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, he would become the first Italian driver to win this race since Jarno Trulli with Renault in 2004, a 22-year wait. It would also be his fifth consecutive Formula 1 victory, and his first at Monaco where he is contesting the Grand Prix for the very first time in his F1 career.
Why is there no DRS at Monaco in 2026?
The FIA decided to remove all wing activation zones at Monaco in 2026. This decision is linked to the introduction of active aerodynamics in the 2026 regulations: the federation judged that the peak speeds generated by this technology would be too high and too dangerous in the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo. It is the first time since DRS was introduced in 2011 that Monaco has no such zone.
Is Lando Norris the defending Monaco winner?
Yes. Lando Norris won the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix for McLaren, his first victory on this circuit. He therefore returns to Monte-Carlo as the defending Monaco champion and will be one of the serious contenders for victory on Sunday.
When and at what time is the Monaco GP 2026?
The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix takes place on Sunday June 7th 2026 at 3:00 PM local time (CEST). The race runs over 78 laps of the Circuit de Monaco in Monte-Carlo, a distance of 260.286 km. It is the 6th round of the 2026 world championship. Qualifying takes place on Saturday June 6th at 4:00 PM.
