“Monaco is always a unique weekend, and this year it will be particularly interesting with the new generation of cars, which, for the drivers, should feel quite different on this type of circuit,” Vasseur said, summing up Ferrari’s anticipation ahead of the race.
The 2026 regulations have introduced smaller, lighter and more agile cars, with reduced dimensions and a significant drop in weight. According to Vasseur, those changes will be immediately felt in Monaco, where precision and control matter more than outright speed.
The Frenchman also stressed that the street circuit will expose how teams adapt to the revised technical package. With less reliance on aerodynamics and more emphasis on mechanical grip, drivers are expected to face increased sliding and a tougher balancing act through slow-speed corners.
Energy management will also play a bigger role than ever. The new power unit split between combustion and electrical output adds another layer of complexity, particularly in Monaco’s stop-start layout where smooth deployment is crucial.
“Qualifying, confidence and execution matter even more than usual, and where every detail can make a difference,” Vasseur added, highlighting how fine the margins will be across the weekend.
Attention will also turn to Charles Leclerc, whose emotional connection to Monaco remains a major storyline. Vasseur pointed to the support he receives at home, saying: “He draws so much energy from racing in front of his home crowd, and for Ferrari that is always special.”
Leclerc’s history at Monaco has been filled with heartbreak and redemption, finally winning in 2024 before finishing second last year, but Ferrari insist their approach remains unchanged.
“That aside, our approach does not change: we have to stay focused, build the weekend session by session and make sure we put both drivers in the best possible position to extract the maximum from the car,” Vasseur said.
The Monaco Grand Prix takes place from June 5 to June 7 on the famous street circuit, marking one of the first major tests of Formula 1’s new era.
