Monaco Grand Prix Winners and Losers was one of the hottest subjects that took the opportunity to discuss. Through spectacular displays, legs that paved the way for the future, expensive buckups and heart-stopping failures, the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix had it all. Several big names from the principality were left wondering what they could have done, but Kimi Antonelli certainly looked a strong contender for the championship challenge.
Safety cars were introduced, a red flag was thrown, strategies were gambled and incidents that were major enough to turn the entire race around. As the championship battle moves to Barcelona, there are some drivers who’re in good form coming from Monaco and others who are scouring for answers.
Kimi Antonelli Continues Championship Masterclass
As for the start of the conversation, Monaco Grand Prix Winners and Losers wouldn’t start anywhere else but Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes teenager again put on a hat trick of a performance, making him the quintitude of the chase in 2026.
Antonelli had a spectacular qualifying lap to win pole for Max Verstappen on one of the toughest of all tracks in the sport. What was even more staggering is that the Mercedes didn’t think they could pole ahead of the session.
The hardest part was qualification, however. Monaco is a place where it counts, but it is a place where they don’t make mistakes and Antonelli had to deal with several interruptions, a few safety cars, and a red flag at the end of the race. Despite all of this he kept calm and controlled all weekend.
It’s the last step in winning a championship title and further solidifies the notion that the next superstar is in the F1 Family.
In his Race of Kings, Lewis Hamilton demonstrates that he’s far from done.Lewis Hamilton proves he’s far from done in his Race of Kings.
Lewis Hamilton meanwhile continued on a remarkable resurgence, delivering yet another stellar stint. After winning a World Championship seven times, the Gold Medallist claimed second and again acted 100% at ease in the Ferrari kit.
Hamilton had struggled during this season thoughtfully questioning his future but now consistently battling it in the front. He’ve been running well all weekend, and he was able to convert into yet another podium finish at Monaco.
Of crucial importance, too, was the fact that the results were significant. Teaming up with several younger rivals, Hamilton wrapped up victory ahead of them and proved to be a force that experience wins. His 41 years old is a reminder to the world why he is still one of the top drivers of all time.
Isack Hadjar and Racing Bulls made for a great team, and their combination was a surprise success.
Isack Hadjar was another big hitter this weekend. Multiple technical issues on the track with the Red Bull rider, they still had a great finish and a memorable race on the podium.
Hadjar’s race was not the easy ride for her. There were continued reports on power distribution and driveability problems with team radio communications. None the less he was cool and calm when it counted and executed one of his finest F1 runs of a career marred by incident.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls had a breakthrough weekend. Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad were able to make the most of the race conditions, but both riders also made for impressive shows in putting themselves in a game of cutting to the chase.
It’s quite a commendation to cross the finish line without making a single error on a weekend in Monaco, particularly for Lindblad, a Rod Laird-bred racer making his debut.The job of being a rookie in Monaco without a single error is a coup for Lindblad in particular.
George Russell and Charles Leclerc are left disheartened.George Russell and Charles Leclerc are left frustrated.
But it was not for everyone that the trip led to a smile.
George Russell’s sixth weekend proved to be another difficult one to get through for him in this season. Temperature teammate Antonelli for pole position and victory, Russell failed to find any comparable pace and managed just a sixth-place finish.
It was worse in the race! The memory loss communication cost and pit lane speed limit violation ensured a drive-through penalty that rendered any true shot-out time count unimportant.
Charles Leclerc had a disappointing home race as well. The Ferrari driver had some speed but lost confidence with the brakes this weekend.
His challenging qualifying run was dismal upon hitting barriers and race day left him with a less-than-excellent finish. Consistent problem issues with braking led to another accident and the end of his goal of an interesting performance in his own country.
After qualifying Monaco cars out, both drivers are wondering: what could have been?Verdict: what could have been? for Verstappen and Gasly as they stepped out of the car leaving the Principality.
Last, but not least, were Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly who were the worst of the losers but who had great potential as drivers.
However, after a superb qualifying, Verstappen seemed capable of going for the win. Unfortunately, a power unit problem had him trigger the “stall in start” as the race just began and this caused him to miss the race.
Gasly’s backlash could only have been that much greater. The Alpine had taken to the grid in style and style looking after a fantastic qualifying performance, appearing to be in with a stunning podium finish. But after a quick error in the construction of a pit-lane turn fell him back into the pack, turning it down into one of the highlights he could have had this season.
Ultimately the Monaco Grand Prix Winners and Losers story was that of Kimi Antonelli, who is shaping up a championship challenge. But Monaco also serves as a stark reminder of the harsh reality of Formula 1, where one accident, a technical fault and/or a penalty can turn a dream weekend into a nightmare. The victors will look to keep the turnaround going in Barcelona’s absence, while the runners-up will work towards redeeming themselves.
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