Mercedes made it six poles from six in 2026, though this is the one that really matters. Kimi Antonelli starts from P1 at the race where track position is more important than anywhere else. But then, Antonelli’s starts haven’t been confidence-inducing so far this season, and alongside him is Max Verstappen, who is highly motivated to get in front.
And what of the cars behind? Ferrari locked-out the second row but may have hoped for more, Isack Hadjar was a splendid fifth; George Russell a despairing sixth and McLaren have a lacklustre fourth row. Unless the Monaco Grand Prix gets distinctly non-linear (always a possibility) they’re not fighting for a win, but the strategists will heavily-influence the order in which they finish…
.webp?ssl=1 "James Hinchcliffe picks his top five drivers of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far")
