Mercedes struggles with set-up after FP2 at the 2026 F1 Monaco GP

Mercedes left Friday practice at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix still searching for a better set-up after a difficult FP2 session in Monte Carlo.

The FIA’s second-practice report showed Ferrari setting the pace, with Lewis Hamilton quickest and Charles Leclerc second, while Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were outside the leading group. Sky Sports reported that Russell said the weekend had been more challenging than hoped, even though Mercedes did make some progress from FP1 to FP2.

The result underlined how Monaco has so far been a tougher circuit for Mercedes than some of its other recent venues. Reuters-syndicated coverage also noted that the track layout was expected to reduce Mercedes’ usual power advantage, leaving the team vulnerable to Ferrari and Red Bull over a single lap.

Mercedes still have time to improve before qualifying, but Friday suggested there is work left to do if Russell and Antonelli are to move closer to the front in Monaco.

What Mercedes need next

The immediate question is whether the team can make enough overnight changes to improve balance and tyre performance before final practice and qualifying.

If the gains are small, Mercedes may have to settle for fighting further back than they would prefer on one of the most position-sensitive tracks on the calendar.