Kimi Antonelli delivered a stunning lap to lead Free Practice 3 at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, edging out the Ferrari duo, Yankee scores reports.
This performance gave Mercedes a huge boost just hours before what many call the most important qualifying session of the season. The 19-year-old Italian recorded a time of 1:12.720 around the tight streets of Monte Carlo.
Breaking Ferrari’s Hold
Charles Leclerc had topped FP1 and Lewis Hamilton had led FP2, giving Ferrari a clean sweep of the first two sessions. Antonelli changed all that in FP3, putting himself ahead of both red cars in the final moments of the session.
He held a three-tenths of a second lead over Leclerc, who narrowly beat his teammate Hamilton for second place. George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes, with Max Verstappen in fifth.
Kimi Antonelli is fastest in Final Practice ahead of the Ferrari duo 😮💨
We’re all set for a thrilling Quali, up next! 👀#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/yqCRPUJmle
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2026
Bearman Crash And Pit Lane Action
The session had its share of drama. Oliver Bearman lost control and crashed his Haas at Massenet on his way to Casino Square, which brought out the red flag.The session resumed with only four minutes left. This was a costly moment for Bearman, as his team now faces a race against time to prepare the car for qualifying.
It was not just Bearman giving his team a headache. Bottas was the first Cadillac driver to report trouble, with smoke pouring from his brake.Perez then came on the radio shortly after to say his left brake was catching fire. This was the same problem that had ended his running in FP2.
Russell also had a nervy moment, brushing the wall at the Swimming Pool section, though he managed to keep his car out of trouble.
“Oowayyy” 😳
George Russell reacts to Ollie Bearman’s incident right in front of him! 👀#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/bcGwbwSuRK
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2026
McLaren Still Struggling
McLaren continues to search for the right setup, with Oscar Piastri in sixth and current World Champion Lando Norris in ninth, both over a second off the pace.
Last year’s Monaco winner will need a significant improvement for qualifying.
All eyes now turn to qualifying, where Antonelli will aim to turn his FP3 pace into a real fight for pole position.
