It took a long time, but Formula 1 is back in Monaco – and Ferrari is back at the top of the timesheet. Scuderia’s one-two win in FP2 on Thursday and their improvement since Spain surprised World Cup leader Lewis Hamilton, although the Brit was happy to welcome more competition at the sharp end of the grid.
Hamilton, a Monaco resident and three-time race winner, visibly enjoyed his return to this revered street circuit, finishing fifth in FP1 and third in FP2 – a session where he was dwarfed by some well-known rivals in red as Ferrari on the top was the last session with Charles Leclerc in front of team-mate Carlos Sainz.
FP2: Home hero Leclerc heads Ferrari 1-2 in Monaco when Hamilton is third
The reigning champion then said he was keeping an eye on Ferrari’s pace, but initially expressed his admiration for Monaco.
“Everyone here likes to drive. Great day, I mean the weather was great, it feels really cool to be back on track, ”Hamilton began. “It’s fast, this track, it’s absolutely fascinating every time you get the chance to drive so I generally enjoyed today.
“It’s a challenge, of course – Ferraris look really strong – surprising that they improve so much, but that’s great. It means more competition. “
Ferrari led the FP2 and Sainz finished second in FP1 after Leclerc suffered a gearbox failure on Thursday morning
When asked whether Ferrari were real contenders for the Mercedes Red Bull Party that everyone in the principality is expecting, Hamilton replied: “I suspect: I see what you see. In general, I just focus on my job. It looks like this, so we’ll see. “
As for his W12, Hamilton said he has a lot more work to do tonight and tomorrow to get the balance of the car where he wants it, despite being “generally very happy” with the Silver Arrow’s pace.
READ MORE: Verstappen says Red Bull is “too slow, and not just by a bit” after day one in Monaco.
“First of all, no matter where you go, wherever you are, the car never goes, the car never goes or gives you anything you want. You need to acclimate, ”he said.
“There are things where, even from the driver’s point of view, you don’t do what you should. You experiment, you try to adjust your driving style, you know where to push, where to give a little to get something, and then you have to work with the car.
“The car is good, I think we’ve made some good progress with the car’s balance and I’m generally very happy. I have to make some changes tonight as we are analyzing today and tomorrow it will be tight. “
Lewis Hamilton is surprised that Ferrari has improved this way
But attention turned back to Ferrari when he saw the strength of the Scuderia in bringing the softest Pirelli compounds up to temperature quickly.
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“Ferrari in particular has reached temperatures very quickly in the past for some reason, just like Red Bull … so we still have a lot to do,” said Hamilton. “The first two tire compounds are pretty close together … the hard tire can go longer, it’s harder, but the soft tire is a big step softer and comes in much faster,” he explained.
Mercedes may lead the championship going to Monaco, but the principality offers surprises every year and it seems that Ferrari is one of those surprises this year.
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