Hamilton Eyes Monaco Win From P3 as Antonelli, Verstappen Battle Start Woes

3 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · Jun 6

Lewis Hamilton said he needs Ferrari's "best ever start" from third on the Monaco grid to pressure pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli and second-placed Max Verstappen for victory.
P3 matters because overtaking is notoriously difficult in Monaco, but 2026's new regulations have made launches less predictable and Ferrari have been among the strongest starters.
Antonelli, who leads the championship by 43 points after four straight wins, admitted he must avoid chasing a "magic start" after repeatedly losing places off the line this season.
Verstappen also said he needs "a bit of luck" into Turn 1, while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stressed that losing the start would make the race "really difficult."
The focus on the opening meters has turned Sunday's short run to Turn 1 into the race's key flashpoint, with Jenson Button predicting "some action" despite Monaco's usual processional nature.