Leclerc tops Monaco practice as Ferrari sweeps top two

Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the opening practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix on Friday, leading a Ferrari one-two with teammate Lewis Hamilton. The Monegasque driver posted a lap of 1 minute 13.978 seconds, finishing 0.226 seconds clear of Hamilton at the historic Monte Carlo circuit.

The session was twice interrupted by red flags. The first stoppage occurred when Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar lost control and hit the barriers at the Swimming Pool chicane. Later, Fernando Alonso brought out another red flag after clipping the barrier with his Aston Martin at the tunnel exit, scattering debris. Both drivers were unhurt.

Max Verstappen was third fastest for Red Bull, 0.513 seconds off the pace. Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell finished fourth and fifth, respectively. McLaren’s Lando Norris was sixth, with Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in seventh and eighth.

The session confirmed Ferrari’s strong early form on a circuit where its car’s cornering strength is a major asset. Leclerc’s performance comes fresh from signing a new multi-year contract extension with the team, committing his future beyond 2030. He stated that while other...