'Overtaking not impossible' - F1's 2026 cars set to flourish in Monaco

After much debate about Formula 1's latest set of regulations during the early stages of the season, the 2026 cars could come into their own at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

Monaco is the most famous circuit on the F1 calendar but has often produced underwhelming Sundays due to the lack of overtaking opportunities around the tight street circuit.

That situation makes qualifying in the principality perhaps the most intense and exciting session of the season, but ideally it would be possible for the order to change in the race without the need for rain or reliability issues.

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In what most considered to be the biggest regulation change in the sport's history, both new power units and chassis were introduced ahead of this season.

Given Monaco is a major outlier on the calendar in terms of circuit style, the regulations were not made with this event in mind, but it may turn out to be a track where the changes have a major impact.

The chassis regulations have created smaller cars which are easier to follow, with both elements potentially creating opportunities at the extremely tight circuit.

The power-unit changes, focused on improving sustainability, saw an increase to 50-per-cent electronic power, a move that has proved highly contentious due to the challenges drivers have faced in ensuring they have sufficient power to drive flat out for an entire lap.

Monaco's combination of having many slow corners and relatively few straights mean recharging the battery is not expected to be an issue, allowing drivers to push without concern.

Few know the circuit better than Charles Leclerc, who grew up on the streets he now gets to race his Ferrari around, and finally claimed a maiden home race victory in 2024 after securing a third pole position in Monaco.

"I think Monaco is actually going to be one of those races where these cars might be very good," Leclerc said.

"We now have lighter cars, which I think is a good thing, we can definitely feel that and, for a track like Monaco, this has its benefits.

"I think the electric side is going to be a lot less big in Monaco just because we'll be recharging quite a bit with all the corners that there are.

"So, I'm quite excited for Monaco, it should be a good track for these cars."

Antonelli: We may see some overtaking

World championship leader Kimi Antonelli was even more bold in his prediction for the race, suggesting he thinks overtaking will be possible.

The 19-year-old Italian will arrive in Monaco with a 43-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate George Russell at the top of the standings, but the unique nature of the circuit means the Silver Arrows could face a major challenge in attempting to extend the five-race winning streak they have begun the season with.

"We may see some overtaking because cars are smaller," Antonelli said. "Of course, you will still have to commit massively to make the move stick, but I think it's not going to be impossible.

"I also think it's going to be more fun to drive the car around the track.

"It's going to be interesting with the smaller cars, with the battery.

"Obviously there were talks with the FIA with closing speeds. I think Monaco is not going to be an issue [for that] because it's super easy for the battery because you don't have long straights, so we won't face that issue at all on track."

Norris: Monaco always special

Perhaps the most consistent complaint from drivers about the new regulations has been regarding the power units preventing them from pushing flat out on qualifying laps.

The drivers need to alter their approach to corners to ensure they have sufficient charge to push for the entirety of straights.

Just about every driver on the grid appears to agree this is not right, and that qualifying, and to a lesser degree the race, should be about pushing to the limit.

Reigning world champion and last year's Monaco winner Lando Norris says that while the drivers will still be occupied by the intricacies of the new power units, pushing flat out should not be a problem.

"Monaco might be one where you can just push flat out confidently knowing that there are no issues," the McLaren driver said. "But you're still going to be thinking of gears, revs, boost pressure, all of these things in every corner.

"I have not done it on the simulator yet so I don't know how many complications come from some of those issues at times, but there'll certainly be less issues by having to be at the top of the pack before long straights and things like that.

"But Monaco is always special no matter what car you're in, no matter how much electricity you've got in it or not.

"Certainly, Monaco is one of the ones, especially qualifying, you look forward to more than anything."

Watch the Monaco Grand Prix, the first of six races in eight weeks, live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime