What happened: Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli successfully maintained his lead during a standing restart with ten laps remaining in the Monaco Grand Prix. While Antonelli got away cleanly, Isack Hadjar struggled off the line, losing positions to George Russell and Pierre Gasly in the scramble for the podium.

Why it matters: The defensive drive helps Kimi Antonelli extend his championship lead as he pursues a historic rookie title. Hadjar’s slow start initially jeopardized his race, though the Red Bull driver eventually recovered to secure third place following post-race penalties to his rivals.

What to watch: Antonelli enters the next round with significant momentum in the 2026 title race.