Hamilton misses out as Verstappen, Leclerc make crucial FIA Monaco GP list

The FIA has released the list of drivers scheduled to attend the press conference ahead of Thursday’s media day, with hometown hero Leclerc and Red Bull Racing star Verstappen joined by several other drivers. Hamilton, however, will instead fulfil other media commitments in the paddock, alongside a number of drivers absent from the press conference line-up.

The first group of drivers is scheduled to speak to the media at 14:30 local time (13:30 BST) and includes Gabriel Bortoleto, Lando Norris and Leclerc. The second group will follow at 15:00 local time (14:00 BST), with Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon and Verstappen all set to take centre stage.

The traditional team principals' press conference, which takes place following the opening practice session on Friday, is scheduled for 15:30 local time (14:30 BST). Flavio Briatore, Pedro de la Rosa and Dan Towriss are all expected to face questions from the media.

The race in the Principality, which marks the start of the European phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season, is scheduled to take place from Friday, 5 June, to Sunday, 7 June. The weekend will feature three practice sessions, unlike the single practice session seen at Sprint weekends such as Miami and Canada.

The action begins on Friday, 5 June, with Free Practice 1 running from 13:30 to 14:30 local time (12:30 – 13:30 BST). The day's running will then continue with Free Practice 2, which takes place between 17:00 and 18:00 local time (16:00 – 17:00 BST).

Saturday, 6 June, marks the second day of on-track action and features the first competitive session of the weekend. The day begins with Free Practice 3 from 12:30 to 13:30 local time (11:30 – 12:30 BST). Qualifying for Sunday's race follows later in the afternoon, running from 16:00 to 17:00 local time (15:00 – 16:00 BST).

The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday, with the Monaco Grand Prix scheduled to take place between 15:00 and 17:00 local time (14:00 – 16:00 BST).

Last year’s Monaco Grand Prix saw reigning world champion Lando Norris claim victory ahead of Charles Leclerc, with Oscar Piastri completing the podium.

For Formula 1's most famous street race, Pirelli has selected the softest compounds in its 2026 tyre range: the C3, C4 and C5. The Italian manufacturer explained that the selection was made to maximise grip on Monaco’s exceptionally smooth asphalt surface.

Several sections of the circuit have been resurfaced since last year's race, including the stretch between Turns 19 and 1, the section from Turn 7 to the tunnel entrance, and both the pit lane entry and exit. While this may slightly increase the likelihood of tyre graining, Pirelli does not expect it to have a significant impact on overall tyre performance, as Monaco places relatively low demands on tyres beyond traction.

Low tyre degradation has traditionally made Monaco a one-stop race. The main exception came last year when the FIA introduced an experimental regulation requiring drivers to use at least three sets of tyres during the race, effectively mandating two pit stops. That rule has since been abandoned, with the traditional tyre regulations returning for this year's edition of the iconic Monaco Grand Prix.