Charles Leclerc set the pace in Monaco GP opening practice, clocking 1m13.978s to lead a Ferrari 1-2 finish. The Monegasque driver was 0.226s faster than team-mate Lewis Hamilton, validating predictions that Ferrari's SF-26 would excel in Monaco's slow-speed corners. Leclerc's performance came on the heels of announcing a new contract extension with the team.

The session saw two red flag interruptions. First, Isack Hadjar crashed for Red Bull at the Turn 15-16 chicane, his second incident in three races. Later, Fernando Alonso wrecked his Aston Martin at the same chicane, scattering debris across the track. Both incidents cut into valuable practice time on the tight circuit.

Kimi Antonelli claimed third fastest for Mercedes, 0.559s off Leclerc's pace, while Max Verstappen finished fourth in Red Bull, complaining "my tyres are just dead." Ferrari's strong showing suggests they've overcome early-season struggles, with Leclerc's Monaco form traditionally a strong indicator of his championship potential. The team now heads into qualifying with clear momentum.