Monaco GP strategies take shape as Pirelli confirms tyre compounds

Formula 1 heads to Monaco this weekend for round six of the 2026 season. While much of the campaign so far has been dominated by discussions around engines and power unit regulations, Monaco once again brings its own unique challenge, with teams required to execute carefully calculated strategies on the unforgiving streets of the Principality.

The iconic venue, which has hosted racing since 1929, will once again see the increasingly nimble 2026 F1 cars weave their way through the 3.337-kilometre circuit featuring 19 tight and technical corners. Ahead of the race, Pirelli has confirmed its tyre compounds for the weekend.

For the famous street race, Pirelli has opted for its softest range in the 2026 selection: the C3, C4 and C5 compounds. In its announcement, the Italian manufacturer explained that these tyres were chosen to maximise grip on Monaco’s exceptionally smooth asphalt surface.

This year, several sections of the track have been resurfaced, including areas between Turns 19 and 1, between Turn 7 and the tunnel entry, as well as at the pit lane entry and exit. While this could slightly increase the likelihood of tyre graining, Pirelli expects it not to significantly impact overall tyre behaviour, as the Monaco circuit predominantly places traction-based demands on the tyres.

Low degradation levels have traditionally made Monaco a one-stop race. The main exception came last year, when the FIA introduced an experimental rule requiring drivers to use at least three sets of tyres, effectively enforcing two pit stops. That regulation has since been scrapped, with the classic Monaco format now returning.

Earlier, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested that Ferrari could be among the leading contenders for pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix. He noted that the Scuderia’s SF-26 appears particularly well suited to the tight and twisty nature of the circuit.

The SF-26 has established itself as one of the strongest cars on the grid in aerodynamic and chassis performance. However, Ferrari’s decision to adopt a smaller turbo philosophy than some of its rivals has come with trade-offs, offering better initial acceleration but sacrificing outright power and straight-line speed, a weakness that was particularly evident in Montreal.

Speaking to GPblog, Stella highlighted Ferrari’s underlying strengths in cornering as a key reason for his expectations of strong performance in Monaco. He pointed to GPS data showing consistent competitiveness through medium and low-speed corners, with the opening sector standing out in particular. According to him, the combination of slow corners and flowing sections plays directly into Ferrari’s strengths this season.

Those sentiments have since been echoed by McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both of whom suggested they would not be surprised to see Ferrari starting on the front row for Sunday’s race.