Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli topped final practice for the Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday, setting a fastest lap of 1:12.720 on soft tyres.
Antonelli finished 0.327 seconds ahead of Monaco-born Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton placed third for Ferrari, 0.331 seconds off Antonelli’s pace.
The result put Mercedes into the pole-position fight before qualifying on Monaco’s narrow street circuit. Qualifying carries extra weight in Monaco because overtaking chances are limited during the race.
Mercedes also had George Russell fourth, 0.763 seconds behind Antonelli. Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen finished fifth, 0.942 seconds off the fastest time.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri placed sixth, ahead of Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto and Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar. McLaren driver Lando Norris finished ninth, while Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10.
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Antonelli’s lap came after Leclerc and seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton had led Friday’s practice running. Practice sessions do not award points, but Antonelli’s time showed Mercedes can challenge Ferrari for pole.
