Mercedes Teenager Sets Fastest Lap in Monaco
Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli delivered a strong response in final practice at the Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday, topping the times ahead of both Ferrari drivers.
The 19-year-old Italian had struggled for rhythm during Friday’s sessions. He also carried memories of a difficult race last year. But he bounced back in style on Saturday and produced the fastest lap of the session.
Antonelli clocked one minute and 12.720 seconds in dry and sunny conditions around the famous street circuit. His lap placed him 0.327 seconds ahead of local favourite Charles Leclerc, who finished second for Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton was third in the second Ferrari. He was only 0.004 seconds behind Leclerc but could not match the dominant pace he had shown on Friday. Hamilton had ended Friday as the fastest driver overall and entered final practice with strong confidence.
George Russell completed the top four for Mercedes. However, he finished seven-tenths behind Antonelli, showing the impressive pace of his young teammate.
Verstappen, Piastri and Norris Stay in the Mix
Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished fifth. He remained close enough to stay in contention ahead of qualifying, where track position is critical in Monaco.
Oscar Piastri was sixth for McLaren, while Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto impressed by taking seventh place. Isack Hadjar followed in eighth for Red Bull, with world champion Lando Norris ninth in the second McLaren.
Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10 for Audi.
The session was held in perfect dry conditions. Drivers pushed hard as teams made final adjustments before qualifying. In Monaco, qualifying is often more important than the race itself because overtaking is extremely difficult on the narrow street circuit.
Antonelli’s performance adds more drama to the weekend. He is already leading the championship and has won four consecutive races, including his maiden Formula 1 victory. He is now chasing history by trying to become the first Italian driver to win five races in a row since Alberto Ascari did it with Ferrari in 1952.
Bearman Crash Brings Late Red Flag
The final practice session was interrupted late by a red flag after Oliver Bearman crashed his Haas on the run up to Casino Square. He was not injured in the incident, but the crash stopped the session and disrupted final preparations for several drivers.
Hamilton had been the first driver to head out when the session began in bright sunshine. His Ferrari drew attention in the Monaco paddock, along with his distinctive pink helmet. Photographers were also distracted by the arrival of his close friend Kim Kardashian.
McLaren entered the day under scrutiny after breaking overnight curfew regulations. The team made electrical changes following Norris’s problems in the second practice session.
Officials reprimanded McLaren and issued a 20,000-euro fine. A further 10,000 euros was suspended. The penalty was linked to tape placed over a clutch disengagement button, which blocked marshals from moving the car properly.
With Antonelli fastest and Ferrari close behind, Monaco qualifying now promises a tense fight for pole position.
