Lewis Hamilton believes he will need an exceptional getaway at the start of the Monaco Grand Prix if he is to challenge for victory after qualifying third on the grid. The Ferrari driver starts behind pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen, with overtaking notoriously difficult on Monaco’s narrow streets.
Hamilton said the launch off the line could be crucial and stressed that Ferrari must deliver its strongest start of the season to put pressure on the front two. New regulations introduced this year have increased variability in race starts, creating more opportunities for position changes in the opening moments.
Antonelli secured a stunning pole position for Mercedes, edging Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds, while Hamilton completed the top three after a closely contested qualifying session.
With track position often deciding the outcome in Monaco, Hamilton’s hopes of victory may depend on gaining places immediately when the lights go out. Otherwise, he is likely to rely on strategy and any race incidents to overcome Antonelli and Verstappen.
