A key moment of the Monaco weekend, qualifying could once again be decisive for the outcome of the Grand Prix. Here is the schedule to remember.
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In Monaco, even more than on any other circuit on the F1 calendar, qualifying often plays a decisive role in the fight for victory. With narrow streets and extremely limited overtaking opportunities, securing a good grid position represents a considerable advantage.
After two free practice sessions dominated by Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton at the forefront, all eyes are now on the qualifying session. The Monegasque driver obviously dreams of shining in front of his home crowd, while McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull will try to thwart the Scuderia’s ambitions.
What time do the qualifications start?
The qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix 2026 is scheduled for this Saturday at 3:00 PM, local time.
For French-speaking viewers in France or Belgium, this also corresponds to 3:00 PM, as Monaco shares the same time zone.
As always, the session will be divided into three parts:
- Q1 : elimination of the five slowest drivers
- Q2 : further elimination of five competitors
- Q3 : final battle for pole position
Ferrari favorite before the battle
The performances observed on Friday confirmed the paddock’s expectations. Ferrari seems particularly comfortable on the Monaco track thanks to the qualities of the SF-26 in slow corners.
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Charles Leclerc finished at the top of the first free practice session before Lewis Hamilton set the best time in FP2. This puts the Italian team in the favorite position before the most important exercise of the weekend.
However, Max Verstappen remains in ambush despite the difficulties encountered by Red Bull since the start of the season, while Mercedes continues to show a very solid level of performance with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
A pole position that could be worth gold
On the Monaco circuit, starting from the first position often constitutes half the job. The recent history of the Grand Prix has demonstrated this again, as it is so difficult to overtake in the streets of the Principality.
The fight for pole is therefore expected to be particularly intense between Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren. A session that could already outline the final standings of this Monaco Grand Prix 2026.
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