Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver, has won four consecutive Formula One races in 2026 and leads the drivers’ standings by 43 points over teammate George Russell as he looks ahead to the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend [1, 2]. Antonelli said, "I think Ferrari is going to be the team to beat in Monaco and it's going to be very interesting how we do there" [1].

Mercedes has dominated the season so far, winning all five Grands Prix and two of three sprint races in 2026, holding a 72-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings [1, 2]. Despite this, Ferrari remains favored to challenge at Monaco. The Italian team has not won a Grand Prix since October 2024 but benefits from a car that generates more downforce at low speeds, aided by a smaller turbo and a unique winglet on the rear, which suits Monaco's tight, winding layout [1, 2]. Antonelli noted, "For sure Ferrari is the favourite because also with that winglet they have in the back it's giving them a lot of downforce at low speeds" [1].

Ferrari’s drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc offer additional threats. Hamilton, driving for Ferrari since January 2025, recently finished second at the Canadian Grand Prix and has two podiums this season. He said, "(Monaco) is the one track that power is not king. I think that’s definitely car performance. I think our car could be really strong there." He added, "If you take away the power deficit, we're in the fight with these guys (Mercedes)... Monaco should be fun" [1]. Leclerc won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024 and has finished third in Australia and Japan this year [1, 2].

The 2026 Formula One cars feature major regulation changes. They are smaller, shorter, and lighter, with new chassis and engine rules implemented to improve racing dynamics [1, 2].

Antonelli’s four-race winning streak includes the Canadian Grand Prix on May 21, 2026, his fourth straight victory, firmly establishing his lead [1, 2]. Ferrari’s last win dates back to October 2024, while Leclerc’s Monaco triumph was in May 2024 [1, 2].

The Monaco Grand Prix will test whether Ferrari’s advantages in low-speed downforce can challenge Mercedes’ dominance so far this season.