The 2026 Monaco GP is an occasion where qualifying pace and confidence matter more than anything else. Just one touch of the barrier, and it could spell disaster for a driver’s entire weekend.

With the smaller and more agile 2026 cars, there’s genuine intrigue about whether Monaco might finally produce more overtaking than in recent years. Traditionally, it has always been about Saturday’s breathtaking qualifying session.

On track, expect Mercedes’ early dominance to continue, but McLaren should still play a factor in the outcome of this race. Charles Leclerc also returns to his home race as a genuine contender, having won this event back in 2024.