Ferrari confirms the expectations of the eve, at least until FP2, taking the lead with both SF-26s. In FP1, Charles Leclerc dominates, but then Lewis Hamilton emerges, jumping into the lead and becoming the number one rival to his teammate for pole.
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But watch out for Max Verstappen who, as an excellent outsider, will try to make a move despite Red Bull’s difficulties on the curbs and bumps. The Dutchman will exploit the ‘Max’ factor to get close to the Ferraris, giving excellent indications to the team to get ready for qualifying.
And Mercedes and McLaren? Watch out for the reliability problems of their big engine, especially on the electrical part, which forced Norris to withdraw a few minutes before the start of FP2. Is this their Achilles’ heel?
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Our correspondents Simone Peluso and Carlo Platella take stock after Friday in Monaco.
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