Charles Leclerc fastest on chaotic Friday in Monaco
Ferrari showed pace throughout both practice sessions on Friday in Monaco.
MONACO–Charles Leclerc was fastest in practice ahead of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on a chaotic day that saw him earlier collide with the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll.
The Monegasque driver was quickest in both Free Practice 1 and 2, setting a competitive benchmark for Ferrari ahead of the dominant McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Piastri was just 0.038s slower than the Ferrari driver in FP2, but it was Hamilton behind him in third, showing that Ferrari definitely has a consistent edge in the Friday setup over the leading constructor.
"Monaco is always very special, not just to me but to anyone driving on this track," said Leclerc.
"On Fridays, everyone is taking their reference points. It’s still too early to feel very confident for the weekend, but it has been a positive first day on track for us. Our one-lap pace was strong, and I felt comfortable in the car, no matter which compound we were running on.
"Qualifying is going to be fundamental around here as usual and we have to be starting in front if we want to bring home a good result."
Stroll and Leclerc came together in the early stages of FP1 when the Aston Martin dived back onto the racing line at the hairpin, directly into the path of the oncoming Ferrari.
Stroll was given a one-place grid penalty for the grand prix, while Leclerc was able to resume running after a pit stop for a new front wing and fresh tyres.
Ollie Bearman was the worst off after practice after copping a ten-place grid penalty for the grand prix after being charged with breaking the rules under a red flag.
Replays showed Bearman appearing to overtake Carlos Sainz under the red flags after Oscar Piastri crashed in FP2.
The stewards determined that the red flag came "well prior" to the overtake and handed Bearman the penalty.
Championship leader Piastri was able to recover from his crash and return to the pits for a new front wing, allowing him to continue the session and set the second fastest lap in FP2.
"I think just the whole day's been a bit up and down," said the Australian.
"I think when we get everything together the pace is quite good, it's just not proving that easy to do at the moment.
"Some things to look at, I think especially for myself, it's been a very messy day. Just try and rest a bit tomorrow, but I think the pace in the car is there."
Drivers will head out for a final practice session on Saturday before qualifying begins at midnight, with the Grand Prix to follow at 11pm on Sunday (AEST).
