Lewis Hamilton has identified a small but crucial 0.1-second gap at Turn 1 during practice at the Monaco Grand Prix, prompting him to seek subtle car adjustments ahead of qualifying. The British driver’s feedback highlights the importance of fine-tuning his vehicle to improve performance on the demanding Monte Carlo street circuit.
Ferrari showed promising form at the Monaco weekend, with Charles Leclerc leading both practice sessions and Hamilton placing third-fastest in the second, just over a tenth of a second behind his Ferrari teammate. Despite Ferrari’s previously difficult season, marked by only one podium in seven races, the team appeared competitive on the unique street track, suggesting a potential challenge for pole position and a chance to claim their second consecutive Monaco win.
Hamilton Pinpoints Areas for Improvement in Car Setup
Following Friday’s practice, Hamilton revealed where he sees opportunities to close the gap to Leclerc and others, particularly at the first corner. He believes the difference lies partly in his driving lines and braking but also in minor car adjustments that could make a difference around the tight circuit.
“The time, I would say it’s more to find in my driving and lines, in my braking,”
Hamilton said, addressing the time lost at Turn 1. He indicated that the car only requires minor tweaks rather than extensive changes to enhance performance.
We might change one small thing like a quarter degree of camber, maximum. I think that will be it.
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Hamilton’s Enduring Passion for Monaco’s Street Circuit
Despite competing at Monaco since 2007, Hamilton continues to embrace the challenges and excitement offered by the narrow, high-speed layout. He described racing at Monte Carlo as
“the coolest track ever to drive,”
emphasizing the blend of fun, technical skill, and thrill that makes it a standout event each year.
Hamilton’s history at the venue includes three victories: his first in 2008 with McLaren, another in 2016 after a tense battle with Daniel Ricciardo, and a poignant win in 2019, shortly after the passing of Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda. His respect for the circuit and the competition remains strong, and his comments reveal a deep appreciation for the privilege of racing there annually.
“The grip, the speed, it’s narrow, it’s fast, it’s the best rollercoaster ride of the year. It’s such a privilege. We’re one of 20 drivers that get to drive this track…”
Hamilton said, reflecting on the significance of racing in Monte Carlo and his excitement for the weekend.
I was so excited for the day. It went smoothly. P1 was a bit of a challenge. Traffic and everything. P2 was much, much better. Got a little bit of time to find. Charles is very quick but otherwise a good session.
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Ferrari’s Resurgence Raises Stakes at Monaco
Ferrari’s strong pace at Monaco marks a welcomed shift after a tough start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team has struggled with car performance on lower-speed tracks but showed potential on Friday, particularly through Leclerc’s leading times in both practice sessions. This performance boosts Ferrari’s prospects to battle for pole and possibly win on a circuit that rewards precision and car balance.
Hamilton’s close gap to Leclerc and his request for minimal car tweaks underlines the competitive environment among drivers and teams aiming for dominance in Monaco. The race’s unique conditions often elevate the importance of fine details, making Hamilton’s “subtle changes” approach especially noteworthy.
Looking Ahead to Monaco Qualifying and Race
As qualifying approaches, all eyes will be on crucial improvements to cars and driving strategies. Hamilton’s focus on minute adjustments demonstrates his determination to extract every ounce of performance on a circuit where fractions of a second can decide starting positions and race outcomes. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s upward momentum adds intensity to the battle at the front of the grid.
The Monaco Grand Prix remains one of the season’s most prestigious events, where driver skill and car setup intersect dramatically. Hamilton’s optimism and continued passion for this challenging venue suggest an exciting weekend ahead for fans and competitors alike, with small changes potentially making a big difference in the final results.
