{"id":1974525,"date":"2026-06-05T18:16:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1974525"},"modified":"2026-06-05T18:16:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:16:00","slug":"ferrari-clearly-the-team-to-beat-as-george-russell-searches-for-mercedes-monaco-f1-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1974525","title":{"rendered":"Ferrari \u201cclearly the team to beat\u201d as George Russell searches for Mercedes Monaco F1 step"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Ferrari \u201cclearly the team to beat\u201d as George Russell searches for Mercedes Monaco F1 step<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mercedes struggled to match Ferrari in Friday practice for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Adam Cooper <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-06-05T19:16:00+01:00\">05 Jun 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>George Russell says that Ferrari is \u201cthe team to beat\u201d in Monaco and concedes that his Mercedes Formula 1 team has to make a step for Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>The two Ferraris topped both FP1 and FP2 on Friday, while Mercedes took P4 and P5 in both sessions, with Kimi Antonelli ahead in the first and Russell in the second.<\/p>\n<p>The two drivers had tried different setups in FP1 before converging, although Russell was happier than Antonelli by the end of the day.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe expected Ferrari to be the guys to beat,\u201d said Russell. \u201cA lot of people thought that was just chat, but, clearly, they are the team to beat. Red Bull has also been a bit of a surprise for us.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;We knew out of the races so far, this was going to be our most challenging. It&#8217;s probably been slightly more challenging than we would have hoped, but we did make some good improvements from FP1 into FP2.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need to make the same step overnight, and I don&#8217;t think we nailed it today, so there is room to improve, but definitely, Ferrari is the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-06994cd313d60f468989f2010b173d8e5ff4c6723bc47c9266dfa6e793f69c69\">  Esteban Ocon explains Monaco blocking dispute with F1 team-mate Ollie Bearman   &#8216;It caught me off guard&#8217; &#8211; Isack Hadjar explains costly Monaco crash <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Russell suggested that Ferrari\u2019s mechanical DNA has always favoured street venues, and hence the car\u2019s form was no surprise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve got to be honest, the trends that we see with Ferrari every year here and on street tracks, and what we&#8217;ve seen today, have been there for probably 10 years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Hamilton in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-91b4191048f97aabf6ed56283256be7547b9fdde8af436f5ea2cba86f7b2f8b3\">  2026 F1 Monaco Grand Prix &#8211; Friday Practice Results   Hamilton heads Leclerc in Monaco F1 second practice, Norris stops <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEvery car has an inherent DNA, and their inherent DNA, especially on the mechanical side of the car, clearly works on these street tracks.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are doing everything we can to try and make those improvements. I do think we can close the gap, if we can over-commit, I&#8217;m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Expanding on his own Friday, Russell confirmed that the Mercedes drivers had converged on set-up for the second session.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe went two different directions for FP1, just to get an understanding,\u201d he said. \u201cClearly, there was one way that was better, and straight away FP2, I felt much more comfortable, but we are off the pace compared to Ferrari.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, World Championship leader Antonelli conceded that he wasn\u2019t happy with progress.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIt was not the most straightforward Friday of the season,\u201d said the Italian. \u201cI struggled with the car, particularly in the middle sector, and that was limiting our pace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe tried a lot of different set-up options and have gathered a lot of good data. That will help us evaluate what work to do overnight, and what changes to make for FP3 and qualifying.\u201d<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>He added: \u201cFerrari look to be in a very strong position. We know they are typically good in Monaco, and they certainly seem to be favourites for tomorrow. We know there is more time for us to find though given we didn&#8217;t get the car in its perfect sweet spot yet, so hopefully we can take a step forward and be in the mix tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">George Russell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Esteban Ocon explains Monaco blocking dispute with F1 team-mate Ollie Bearman<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-ecb56ab793e50369765de0824affdf69ff9491ace372390e9d407931316b13b9\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Adam Cooper<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Adam Cooper attended his first F1 race at Brands Hatch as a 10-year-old fan in 1976. He became a freelance journalist for Autosport magazine in 1985 while still at university, initially covering everything from club racing to the FIA World Sportscar Championship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-15f7968117e4f4811878072eb1eb6247146fe915ff4c9cc0a855ebc3b344736f\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Explained: Why failed Mercedes-Alpine F1 negotiations broke down<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780672993\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413011_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Mercedes pulled out of talks to buy a minority shareholding in the Alpine team\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Leclerc heads Ferrari 1-2 in Monaco FP1 as Hadjar and Alonso crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780663086\"> 5h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412523_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Leclerc signed a contract extension with Ferrari ahead of the weekend\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why McLaren wants &#8216;A-B team&#8217; clarity despite end of Alpine-Mercedes deal<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780658419\"> 6h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406163_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Zak Brown in Miami\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren leads F1 development charge in Monaco with host of upgrades<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780654088\"> 8h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412247_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"McLaren is bringing the upgrades to Monaco \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;You can&#8217;t put a leash on a driver&#8217; &#8211; Antonelli responds to Mercedes team order threats<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780591297\"> 04\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1410772_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, 2026 Canadian GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton reacts to Charles Leclerc\u2019s Ferrari F1 renewal<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780588053\"> 04\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412155_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Hamilton and Leclerc will remain F1 team-mates \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mercedes struggled to match Ferrari in Friday practice for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>George Russell says that Ferrari is \u201cthe team to beat\u201d in Monaco and concedes that his Mercedes Formula 1 team has to make a step for Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>The two Ferraris topped both FP1 and FP2 on Friday, while Mercedes took P4 and P5 in both sessions, with Kimi Antonelli ahead in the first and Russell in the second.<\/p>\n<p>The two drivers had tried different setups in FP1 before converging, although Russell was happier than Antonelli by the end of the day.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe expected Ferrari to be the guys to beat,\u201d said Russell. \u201cA lot of people thought that was just chat, but, clearly, they are the team to beat. Red Bull has also been a bit of a surprise for us.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;We knew out of the races so far, this was going to be our most challenging. It&#8217;s probably been slightly more challenging than we would have hoped, but we did make some good improvements from FP1 into FP2.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need to make the same step overnight, and I don&#8217;t think we nailed it today, so there is room to improve, but definitely, Ferrari is the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-06994cd313d60f468989f2010b173d8e5ff4c6723bc47c9266dfa6e793f69c69\">  Esteban Ocon explains Monaco blocking dispute with F1 team-mate Ollie Bearman   &#8216;It caught me off guard&#8217; &#8211; Isack Hadjar explains costly Monaco crash <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Russell suggested that Ferrari\u2019s mechanical DNA has always favoured street venues, and hence the car\u2019s form was no surprise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve got to be honest, the trends that we see with Ferrari every year here and on street tracks, and what we&#8217;ve seen today, have been there for probably 10 years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Hamilton in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-91b4191048f97aabf6ed56283256be7547b9fdde8af436f5ea2cba86f7b2f8b3\">  2026 F1 Monaco Grand Prix &#8211; Friday Practice Results   Hamilton heads Leclerc in Monaco F1 second practice, Norris stops <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEvery car has an inherent DNA, and their inherent DNA, especially on the mechanical side of the car, clearly works on these street tracks.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are doing everything we can to try and make those improvements. I do think we can close the gap, if we can over-commit, I&#8217;m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Expanding on his own Friday, Russell confirmed that the Mercedes drivers had converged on set-up for the second session.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe went two different directions for FP1, just to get an understanding,\u201d he said. \u201cClearly, there was one way that was better, and straight away FP2, I felt much more comfortable, but we are off the pace compared to Ferrari.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, World Championship leader Antonelli conceded that he wasn\u2019t happy with progress.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIt was not the most straightforward Friday of the season,\u201d said the Italian. \u201cI struggled with the car, particularly in the middle sector, and that was limiting our pace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe tried a lot of different set-up options and have gathered a lot of good data. That will help us evaluate what work to do overnight, and what changes to make for FP3 and qualifying.\u201d<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>He added: \u201cFerrari look to be in a very strong position. We know they are typically good in Monaco, and they certainly seem to be favourites for tomorrow. We know there is more time for us to find though given we didn&#8217;t get the car in its perfect sweet spot yet, so hopefully we can take a step forward and be in the mix tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>George Russell says that Ferrari is \u201cthe team to beat\u201d in Monaco and concedes that his Mercedes Formula 1 team has to make a step for Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>The two Ferraris topped both FP1 and FP2 on Friday, while Mercedes took P4 and P5 in both sessions, with Kimi Antonelli ahead in the first and Russell in the second.<\/p>\n<p>The two drivers had tried different setups in FP1 before converging, although Russell was happier than Antonelli by the end of the day.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413476_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe expected Ferrari to be the guys to beat,\u201d said Russell. \u201cA lot of people thought that was just chat, but, clearly, they are the team to beat. Red Bull has also been a bit of a surprise for us.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;We knew out of the races so far, this was going to be our most challenging. It&#8217;s probably been slightly more challenging than we would have hoped, but we did make some good improvements from FP1 into FP2.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need to make the same step overnight, and I don&#8217;t think we nailed it today, so there is room to improve, but definitely, Ferrari is the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-06994cd313d60f468989f2010b173d8e5ff4c6723bc47c9266dfa6e793f69c69\">  Esteban Ocon explains Monaco blocking dispute with F1 team-mate Ollie Bearman   &#8216;It caught me off guard&#8217; &#8211; Isack Hadjar explains costly Monaco crash <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Russell suggested that Ferrari\u2019s mechanical DNA has always favoured street venues, and hence the car\u2019s form was no surprise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve got to be honest, the trends that we see with Ferrari every year here and on street tracks, and what we&#8217;ve seen today, have been there for probably 10 years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412840_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Hamilton in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-91b4191048f97aabf6ed56283256be7547b9fdde8af436f5ea2cba86f7b2f8b3\">  2026 F1 Monaco Grand Prix &#8211; Friday Practice Results   Hamilton heads Leclerc in Monaco F1 second practice, Norris stops <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEvery car has an inherent DNA, and their inherent DNA, especially on the mechanical side of the car, clearly works on these street tracks.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are doing everything we can to try and make those improvements. I do think we can close the gap, if we can over-commit, I&#8217;m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Expanding on his own Friday, Russell confirmed that the Mercedes drivers had converged on set-up for the second session.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe went two different directions for FP1, just to get an understanding,\u201d he said. \u201cClearly, there was one way that was better, and straight away FP2, I felt much more comfortable, but we are off the pace compared to Ferrari.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, World Championship leader Antonelli conceded that he wasn\u2019t happy with progress.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413554_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli in Monaco<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIt was not the most straightforward Friday of the season,\u201d said the Italian. \u201cI struggled with the car, particularly in the middle sector, and that was limiting our pace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe tried a lot of different set-up options and have gathered a lot of good data. That will help us evaluate what work to do overnight, and what changes to make for FP3 and qualifying.\u201d<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>He added: \u201cFerrari look to be in a very strong position. We know they are typically good in Monaco, and they certainly seem to be favourites for tomorrow. We know there is more time for us to find though given we didn&#8217;t get the car in its perfect sweet spot yet, so hopefully we can take a step forward and be in the mix tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1097100\/1\/ferrari-clearly-team-beat-george-russell-searches-mercedes-monaco-f1-step&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1413280_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Ferrari \u201cclearly the team to beat\u201d as George Russell searches for Mercedes Monaco F1 step Mercedes struggled to match Ferrari in Friday practice for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix Adam Cooper 05 Jun 2026 Share Russell in Monaco \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source George Russell says that Ferrari is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1974525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1974525","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1974525"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1974525\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1974525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1974525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1974525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}