The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix delivered a blend of triumphs and setbacks across the grid. While Antonelli clinched a memorable victory for Mercedes, contrasting fortunes unfolded for Ferrari and Red Bull.
The tight, twisting streets of Monte Carlo hosted another classic Formula 1 spectacle, as teams navigated the challenges of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. Here's what they had to say about their race day experiences.
Kimi Antonelli continued his winning streak with a commanding performance, leading from start to finish despite some tense moments under the Safety Car and red flag. His victory extended his championship lead to a solid 66 points. Meanwhile, George Russell's race was marred by penalties, leaving him outside the points.
*Kimi Antonelli, 1st:*
"Winning in Monaco is special. Everything just clicked today, and handling the restarts was crucial. There's always more to learn, and I aim to keep this momentum going."
*George Russell, 12th:*
"Kimi did a fantastic job. My race was tough with penalties ruining my chances, but I'm determined to bounce back."
Lewis Hamilton secured a podium finish, but Charles Leclerc's race ended in disappointment after brake issues led to a crash.
*Lewis Hamilton, 2nd:*
"A podium in Monaco is always rewarding. We're making progress, but there's still work to do before we challenge for wins consistently."
*Charles Leclerc, DNF:*
"Crashing out of my home race is tough. We had brake issues, but we'll address it before Barcelona."
Max Verstappen's race was over almost as soon as it began, while Isack Hadjar persevered through technical challenges to claim a podium.
*Max Verstappen, DNF:*
"An engine problem ruined our day. It's disappointing after a strong weekend."
*Isack Hadjar, 3rd:*
"Despite the difficulties, finishing on the podium feels amazing. It's a result to be proud of."
Oscar Piastri had a steady race to finish fourth, while Lando Norris retired due to power unit issues.
*Oscar Piastri, 4th:*
"Gaining positions in Monaco is always satisfying. Strategy played a key role today."
Both drivers achieved personal bests, with Lawson finishing fifth and Lindblad sixth.
*Liam Lawson, 5th:*
"A great result for the team. We capitalized on opportunities today."
Pierre Gasly's podium hopes were dashed by penalties, while Franco Colapinto struggled in traffic.
*Pierre Gasly, 7th:*
"Losing the podium is heartbreaking, but we'll keep pushing for better results."
Albon scored points, while Sainz's race ended in a collision.
*Alex Albon, 8th:*
"It was a messy race, but points in Monaco are always valuable."
Esteban Ocon salvaged points from a challenging race, while Oliver Bearman retired early.
*Esteban Ocon, 9th:*
"A tough race, but we managed to make the most of what we had."
Fernando Alonso scored the team's first point of the season with a P10 finish.
*Fernando Alonso, 10th:*
"Scoring a point here was the reward for taking risks and staying focused."
Nico Hulkenberg finished out of the points after a penalty, while Gabriel Bortoleto's race was compromised from the start.
*Nico Hulkenberg, 13th:*
"We had the pace for points, but the penalty cost us dearly."
Sergio Perez's race was hampered by penalties, while Valtteri Bottas retired with brake issues.
*Sergio Perez, 15th:*
"A tricky race with penalties, but we showed resilience."
Pirelli noted higher tyre degradation, influencing strategic decisions. The Soft compound proved a reliable choice for restarts, with Antonelli showcasing its potential across all compounds.
In all, the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix was a blend of high-stakes drama and strategic battles, setting the stage for the next round in Barcelona.