Lewis Hamilton has described Monaco as "the coolest track ever" after Ferrari showed promising pace during Friday's practice sessions ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion finished third in practice, just one tenth behind teammate Charles Leclerc who topped both sessions, suggesting Ferrari could be in contention for victory this weekend.
Ferrari have enjoyed a strong start to the weekend in Monaco, despite enduring a largely difficult 2025 season thus far.
The Italian team were not expected to contest for the win at the iconic street circuit, but both drivers showed impressive pace early on, even with traffic incidents for Hamilton and a collision with Lance Stroll for Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton is in a positive mood ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix
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"It was awesome. It's the coolest track ever to drive. The most fun. Every year is such a blast. It doesn't matter what car you're in," said Hamilton.
"With the grip, the speed, it's narrow, fast, the best rollercoaster ride of the year. It's such a privilege. Only 20 drivers drive this track."
Hamilton added: "This morning I texted my assistant Ellen and I said 'I'm so lucky to be able to do this' and I was so excited for the day."
The Ferrari driver knows where he needs to improve and plans to make only minor adjustments to his car ahead of Saturday's crucial qualifying session.
"I would say there is more to find in my driving, in lines and braking," Hamilton explained.
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I've got one tenth for example just in Turn 1. There are bits here and there throughout the lap.
"There are subtle changes I need to make to the car. I will not make many changes at all."
Ferrari have endured a largely difficult 2025 and were not expected to contest for the win in Monaco, making their strong Friday performance particularly noteworthy.
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The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most widely-anticipated races on the Formula One calendar
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Hamilton is yet to take a pole position for Ferrari since joining the team, and has outqualified Leclerc just once in normal qualifying sessions this season.
Despite Ferrari's strong showing, Leclerc remained cautious about their pace heading into Saturday.
"Friday in Monaco is always very special, very specific. It's too early to feel very positive about the weekend," he said.
"But the Friday has been very positive for us. The one lap pace was strong. Qualifying will be fundamental and we have to start in front if we want a good result."
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While McLaren showed competitive pace with Oscar Piastri finishing second in practice, Red Bull appeared to struggle with Max Verstappen only managing 10th place, seven tenths off Leclerc's pace.
"I don't expect us to be the quickest but we want to be a lot closer than we were in FP2," said Verstappen.
"Ferrari again look very fast. Ferrari have taken a big step forward here."
