Advertisement

F1 Monaco Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and FP2 results

F1 Monaco Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and FP2 results

Lewis Hamilton insists his team are “almost there” as they look to agree a new contract with Mercedes – and has denied reports that Ferrari have approached him.

The 38-year-old’s current contract with the Silver Arrows, where he has been since 2013, expires at the end of this season as he is set to take to the track on Friday in a revamped Mercedes car.

A report this week suggested Ferrari have offered the seven-time F1 world champion – who has won six of his titles with Mercedes – a £40m-a-year contract to join the Scuderia from 2024. Yet Hamilton, who covets a record-breaking eighth crown after missing out controversially in Abu Dhabi in 2021, revealed that his representatives are close to concluding negotiations with Mercedes over an extension.

Carlos Sainz was quickest in first practice, with Fernando Alonso second and Lewis Hamilton third. Max Verstappen was fastest in second practice.

Follow practice at the Monaco Grand Prix with The Independent.

F1 PRACTICE - MONACO GRAND PRIX

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Monaco Grand Prix offers best chance yet of end to Red Bull supremacy

Friday 26 May 2023 17:55 , Kieran Jackson

Weekend preview by Kieran Jackson

The crown jewel. That’s the accompanying slogan alongside the Monaco Grand Prix: a Formula 1 staple-event identified with the sort-of glitz and glamour we saw last time out in Miami. And will see again in Las Vegas in November. F1’s obsession with the US has given the principality a direct rival or two stateside, to the extent that its long-term viability in the sport if far from a certainty, given the difficulty of overtaking at the track.

But that’s for another day. For now, the famed twists and turns on the shores of the French Riviera still offer the most unique of challenges for the 20 drivers as they return to action for the first time in three weeks. And that distinctiveness should, in theory, give Red Bull their toughest task yet in 2023.

Christian Horner’s team have won all five races so far this season; six if you include the sprint in Azerbaijan. At a canter, too. Yet for a car which reigns supreme on long-straights and in high-speed corners comes a track with few long-straights and a series of low-speed corners.

Monaco GP unpredictability offers best chance yet of end to Red Bull supremacy

FP2 results in full:

Friday 26 May 2023 17:14 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen quickest in FP2!

Friday 26 May 2023 17:03 , Kieran Jackson

As the drivers concluded the session with race runs, Max Verstappen keeps his top spot - but it’s tight!

His 1:12:462 is the fastest time, with Charles Leclerc 0.065 seconds behind in second. Carlos Sainz, despite his crash, was the third-fastest a tenth back - with Fernando Alonso in fourth and Lando Norris in fifth.

6-10: Hamilton, Perez, Bottas, Gasly, Ocon

George Russell, much like the first session, struggling it seems. He’s down in 12th.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FP2 restarts with 10 minutes to go

Friday 26 May 2023 16:50 , Kieran Jackson

Cars are back out on track - aside from Carlos Sainz obviously - with just 10 minutes left of action in second practice!

Even Alex Albon is now out on the circuit!

Current top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Alonso, Norris, Hamilton, Perez, Bottas, Gasly, Ocon

RED FLAG thrown!

Friday 26 May 2023 16:45 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz has crashed at the swimming pool chicane! He clatters into the wall!

Another Ferrari crash!

Red flag - session stopped!

The views and sights of F1 in Monaco!

Friday 26 May 2023 16:42 , Kieran Jackson

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Carlos Sainz now fastest with 30 minutes left

Friday 26 May 2023 16:32 , Kieran Jackson

As most of the pack switch to soft tyres, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz leads the way with a 1:12:569, with Fernando Alonso two-tenths down in second.

Esteban Ocon a surprise name in third, with Lance Stroll fourth.

5-10: Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, Bottas, Tsunoda, Perez.

The Red Bulls now heading out on soft tyres. You feel as though all the drivers are finally in the groove as they set their quickest possible times today...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen quickest in early running in FP2

Friday 26 May 2023 16:23 , Kieran Jackson

The world championship leader Max Verstappen is top of the pack - with a 1:13:312 - with Sergio Perez three-tenths back, and Carlos Sainz in third, +0.496 secs behind Verstappen.

4-10: Leclerc, Alonso, Russell, Hamilton, Ocon, Magnussen, Gasly

All on mediums for the time being; softs incoming...

Christian Horner on Aston Martin and Honda’s partnership

Friday 26 May 2023 16:11 , Kieran Jackson

We’re underway with second practice in Monaco!

Friday 26 May 2023 16:01 , Kieran Jackson

A big queue at the end of the small pit lane in Monaco with most of the drivers eager to get straight out there with FP2 in Monaco!

Alex Albon, after his heavy shunt in FP1, isn’t ready in his Williams yet - we’ll see how much time he can spend out on track...

Qualifying simulations coming right up!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

We’re about to get underway with FP2 in Monaco!

Friday 26 May 2023 15:58 , Kieran Jackson

The sun is beaming down on the princpality and we’re almost ready for second practice in Monaco!

Can Red Bull improve on a tricky FP1? What about Mercedes and their new upgrades? And how about Ferrari?

The field will be going through their qualifying simulations in the next hour!

Monaco Grand Prix winner odds!

Friday 26 May 2023 15:52 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen - 11/10

Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez - 7/2

Fernando Alonso - 11/2

Carlos Sainz - 20/1

Lewis Hamilton - 25/1

George Russell - 30/1

Lance Stroll - 50/1

Lando Norris - 275/1

Kevin Magnussen, Nyck de Vries, Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, Guanyu Zhou - 500/1

Odds provided by Betfair

Friday 26 May 2023 15:45 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he come to regret it?

Comment by Kieran Jackson

The denials came from all angles on media day in Monaco. Speculation that Lewis Hamilton could move to Ferrari next year, in a £40m deal no less, has ramped up this week but was quickly quashed on Thursday by both Hamilton and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur.

In fact, Hamilton went further, revealing his representatives are “almost there” in agreeing a new deal with Mercedes. The 38-year-old’s current contract with the Silver Arrows – where he has won six of his seven world titles since joining in an inspired decision a decade ago – expires at the end of this season. Despite the wait, the noise from both the Brit and team boss Toto Wolff has been that an extension is a simple inevitability. Not a case of if, but when.

Read full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he regret it?

Carlos Sainz addresses Monaco Grand Prix concerns after ‘football injury’

Friday 26 May 2023 15:39 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz has clarified that he is “completely well and ready to race” at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix after rumours he had suffered an injury.

Reports this week suggested that the Ferrari driver had hurt himself playing in the annual Monaco charity football match.

The Spaniard appeared to have significant strapping on his thigh after being substituted.

But Sainz has stressed on social media that he will good to go as the race weekend starts with the opening two practice sessions on Friday.

More quotes below:

Carlos Sainz addresses Monaco Grand Prix concerns after ‘football injury’

Constructors’ Championship ahead of Monaco

Friday 26 May 2023 15:34 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 224 points

2) Aston Martin - 102 points

3) Mercedes - 96 points

4) Ferrari - 78 points

5) McLaren - 14 points

6) Alpine - 14 points

7) Haas - 8 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 6 points

9) AlphaTauri - 2 points

10) Williams - 1 point

Max Verstappen struggles as Carlos Sainz goes fastest in Monaco opening practice

Friday 26 May 2023 15:25 , Kieran Jackson

FP1 REPORT:

Lewis Hamilton was third in opening practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended early after Alex Albon crashed out.

Hamilton, armed with a major Mercedes upgrade, finished the first running in Monte Carlo behind only Carlos Sainz, who topped the order for Ferrari, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton was ahead of both Red Bulls – with Sergio Perez fourth and world champion Max Verstappen, who complained on multiple occasions about the handling of his Red Bull, sixth. The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc split the Red Bull pair.

Max Verstappen struggles as Carlos Sainz goes fastest in Monaco opening practice

Driver Standings ahead of Monaco:

Friday 26 May 2023 15:14 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 119 points

2) Sergio Perez - 105 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 75 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 56 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 44 points

6) George Russell - 40 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 34 points

8) Lance Stroll - 27 points

9) Lando Norris - 10 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 8 points

11) Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 6 points

13) Valtteri Bottas - 4 points

14) Oscar Piastri - 4 points

15) Zhou Guanyu - 2 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

17) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

18) Alex Albon - 1 point

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

Lewis Hamilton empathises with Vinicius Jr after racist abuse: ‘It’s devastating’

Friday 26 May 2023 15:00 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton said the racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr evoked painful memories from his own career.

Brazil international Vinicius was subjected to monkey chants in his side’s 1-0 defeat at Valencia in LaLiga last weekend.

Valencia were given a partial stadium ban for five matches plus a fine of £39,000 – a punishment the club called “totally disproportionate” – while Real, who said the incident constituted a “hate crime”, filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.

Full quotes below:

‘It’s devastating’: Lewis Hamilton empathises with Vinicius Jr after racist abuse

Ferrari boss gives Lewis Hamilton update after reports of shock move

Friday 26 May 2023 14:47 , Kieran Jackson

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has denied reports that his team have put in an offer to bring Lewis Hamilton to the team next season.

A report this week stated Hamilton has received a £40m-a-year deal to join the Scuderia from 2024, with his Mercedes contract expiring at the end of the season.

Yet Vasseur, speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, firmly rebuked the report.

“You know perfectly that at this stage of the season, you will have each week a different story,” he said.

“And we are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton. We didn’t do it.”

Full quotes below:

Ferrari boss gives Lewis Hamilton update after reports of shock move

F1 chief hails ‘exciting’ development with Honda set for grid return

Friday 26 May 2023 14:31 , Kieran Jackson

Stefano Domenicali, chief executive of Formula 1, has hailed the “exciting” partnership between Honda and Aston Martin as the Japanese manufacturer prepare to return to the sport.

The two brands announced this week that Honda would be the engine partner for Aston Martin’s F1 cars from 2026. Although the automotive giants had officially withdrawn from the sport in 2021, its engines are still utilised by the two Red Bull teams.

More detail below:

F1 chief hails ‘exciting’ development with Honda set for grid return

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he come to regret it?

Friday 26 May 2023 14:15 , Kieran Jackson

Comment by Kieran Jackson

The denials came from all angles on media day in Monaco. Speculation that Lewis Hamilton could move to Ferrari next year, in a £40m deal no less, has ramped up this week but was quickly quashed on Thursday by both Hamilton and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur.

In fact, Hamilton went further, revealing his representatives are “almost there” in agreeing a new deal with Mercedes. The 38-year-old’s current contract with the Silver Arrows – where he has won six of his seven world titles since joining in an inspired decision a decade ago – expires at the end of this season. Despite the wait, the noise from both the Brit and team boss Toto Wolff has been that an extension is a simple inevitability. Not a case of if, but when.

Read full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he regret it?

Max Verstappen struggles as Carlos Sainz goes fastest in Monaco opening practice

Friday 26 May 2023 14:10 , Kieran Jackson

FP1 REPORT:

Lewis Hamilton was third in opening practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended early after Alex Albon crashed out.

Hamilton, armed with a major Mercedes upgrade, finished the first running in Monte Carlo behind only Carlos Sainz, who topped the order for Ferrari, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton was ahead of both Red Bulls – with Sergio Perez fourth and world champion Max Verstappen, who complained on multiple occasions about the handling of his Red Bull, sixth. The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc split the Red Bull pair.

Max Verstappen struggles as Carlos Sainz goes fastest in Monaco opening practice

Mercedes chief Andrew Shovlin:

Friday 26 May 2023 13:59 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s difficult to say this stage in the weekend. We haven’t seen major problems - Lewis looks to be in a happier place than George. One of the tricky bits with Monaco is the track evolves so much, you’ve got to keep it for quali. Good start, but certainly wary of Monaco!

“You don’t design a car for Monaco - you design it for Barcelonas and Silverstones. It’s just that compromise - bumps are bad, makes you want to go soft, but these cars work better close to the ground.”

FP1 RESULTS IN FULL

Friday 26 May 2023 13:48 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz quickest in FP1!

Friday 26 May 2023 13:34 , Kieran Jackson

Just before Alex Albon’s crash, Carlos Sainz beat his compatriot Fernando Alonso to top-spot in the standings with a 1:13:372 - 0.338 seconds quicker than Alonso!

3-5: Hamilton (+0.633 secs), Perez (+0.666), Leclerc (+0.721)

No Red Bull in the top-3! Interesting!

6-10: Verstappen, Norris, Ocon, Stroll, Albon

George Russell? Only P15.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

RED FLAG! Alex Albon crahses!

Friday 26 May 2023 13:27 , Kieran Jackson

Alex Albon hits the wall at turn 1! His left-side of the car is busted!

Red flag - and that will be the end of FP1 in Monaco!

Session back underway and Fernando Alonso goes fastest!

Friday 26 May 2023 13:20 , Kieran Jackson

Watch out for the veteran this weekend!

Fernando Alonso has been earmarking Monaco has a potential venue for a win this season, and the Spaniard has just gone fastest with a 1:13:907 - the first 1:13 time of the day!

Lewis Hamilton a tenth down in second, with Sergio Perez in third.

4-10: Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Albon, Magnussen, Tsunoda

12 minutes to go...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

RED FLAG!

Friday 26 May 2023 13:09 , Kieran Jackson

Due to the damage to the circuit caused by Hulkenberg’s spin at the port chicane, the red flag is thrown!

Session paused - 20 minutes left...

Lewis Hamilton goes fastest in FP1!

Friday 26 May 2023 13:08 , Kieran Jackson

Bang on cue... Lewis Hamilton goes fastest overall with a 1:14:035 - two-tenths quicker than Carlos Sainz!

And Lando Norris goes fifth-fastest, four-tenths back from Hamilton!

1-10: Hamilton, Sainz, Verstappen, Alonso, Norris, Leclerc, Albon, Perez, Tsunoda, Bottas

George Russell still not a happy man, insisting over team radio he’s got “no confidence” and the “rear is too weak”.

Nico Hulkenberg has lost his left-rear tyre too! Luckily makes his way back to the pit lane after a spin at the port chicane!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Carlos Sainz quickest 30 minutes into FP1!

Friday 26 May 2023 13:00 , Kieran Jackson

Few drivers with issues out there: Logan Sargeant is in the garage after seemingly losing power, while Lance Stroll had a bursh with the wall ahead of the main straight!

Top-10: Sainz (1:14:245); Leclerc, Alonso, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Albon, Perez, Magnussen, Stroll, Ocon

Lewis Hamilton a measly 13th in the leaderboard; George Russell 18th.

Early stages of the weekend though...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Here’s a breakdown of the Mercedes upgrades!

Friday 26 May 2023 12:55 , Kieran Jackson

15 minutes into FP1

Friday 26 May 2023 12:48 , Kieran Jackson

We’re 15 minutes in to the first practice session - and a fair bit of complaining from Max Verstappen. Not happy at all with the setup in his Red Bull! He’s into the pits...

George Russell, similarly, not happy with the suspension on this revamped Mercedes!

Top-3 at the moment: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FP1 at the Monaco Grand Prix!

Friday 26 May 2023 12:28 , Kieran Jackson

We’re just two minutes away from first practice at the Monaco Grand Prix!

How will Mercedes’ new upgrades fare around the tight twists of the principality? And can anyone put down an early marker against Red Bull, or will it be Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez dominant at the top once more?

Aston Martin and Honda agreed a deal for 2026

Friday 26 May 2023 12:25 , Kieran Jackson

But will Fernando Alonso still be racing?

Monaco Grand Prix winner odds!

Friday 26 May 2023 12:22 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen - 11/10

Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez - 7/2

Fernando Alonso - 11/2

Carlos Sainz - 20/1

Lewis Hamilton - 25/1

George Russell - 30/1

Lance Stroll - 50/1

Lando Norris - 275/1

Kevin Magnussen, Nyck de Vries, Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, Guanyu Zhou - 500/1

Odds provided by Betfair

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he come to regret it?

Friday 26 May 2023 12:10 , Kieran Jackson

Comment by Kieran Jackson

The denials came from all angles on media day in Monaco. Speculation that Lewis Hamilton could move to Ferrari next year, in a £40m deal no less, has ramped up this week but was quickly quashed on Thursday by both Hamilton and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur.

In fact, Hamilton went further, revealing his representatives are “almost there” in agreeing a new deal with Mercedes. The 38-year-old’s current contract with the Silver Arrows – where he has won six of his seven world titles since joining in an inspired decision a decade ago – expires at the end of this season. Despite the wait, the noise from both the Brit and team boss Toto Wolff has been that an extension is a simple inevitability. Not a case of if, but when.

Read full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he regret it?

F1 practice at the Monaco Grand Prix

Friday 26 May 2023 12:01 , Kieran Jackson

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of practice at the Monaco Grand Prix!

After the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last week, all the drivers will be desperate to get back in the cockpit for two hour-long practice sessions in the principality.

All eyes are on Mercedes, as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell take to the track in a newly revamped Mercedes car, with new sidepods, a new front suspension and a new floor being trialled.

We’re half-an-hour away from action on track! FP1 starts at 12:30pm, while second practice at 4pm.

Stay right here for all the build-up and updates.

Bernie Ecclestone would be surprised if Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes

Friday 26 May 2023 11:51 , Kieran Jackson

Bernie Ecclestone has said he would be surprised if Ferrari pulled off the biggest transfer in recent Formula One memory by signing Lewis Hamilton – and believes it is Mercedes or bust for the British driver.

Full quotes below:

Bernie Ecclestone would be surprised if Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes

F1 chief hails ‘exciting’ development with Honda set for grid return

Friday 26 May 2023 11:33 , Kieran Jackson

Stefano Domenicali, chief executive of Formula 1, has hailed the “exciting” partnership between Honda and Aston Martin as the Japanese manufacturer prepare to return to the sport.

The two brands announced this week that Honda would be the engine partner for Aston Martin’s F1 cars from 2026. Although the automotive giants had officially withdrawn from the sport in 2021, its engines are still utilised by the two Red Bull teams.

More detail below:

F1 chief hails ‘exciting’ development with Honda set for grid return

Carlos Sainz addresses Monaco Grand Prix concerns after ‘football injury’

Friday 26 May 2023 11:15 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz has clarified that he is “completely well and ready to race” at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix after rumours he had suffered an injury.

Reports this week suggested that the Ferrari driver had hurt himself playing in the annual Monaco charity football match.

The Spaniard appeared to have significant strapping on his thigh after being substituted.

But Sainz has stressed on social media that he will good to go as the race weekend starts with the opening two practice sessions on Friday.

More quotes below:

Carlos Sainz addresses Monaco Grand Prix concerns after ‘football injury’

Constructors’ Championship ahead of Monaco

Friday 26 May 2023 11:00 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 224 points

2) Aston Martin - 102 points

3) Mercedes - 96 points

4) Ferrari - 78 points

5) McLaren - 14 points

6) Alpine - 14 points

7) Haas - 8 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 6 points

9) AlphaTauri - 2 points

10) Williams - 1 point

Lewis Hamilton provides Mercedes contract latest amid Ferrari links

Friday 26 May 2023 10:45 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton insists his team are “almost there” as they look to agree a new contract with Mercedes – and denied reports that Ferrari have approached him.

The 38-year-old’s current contract with the Silver Arrows, where he has been since 2013, expires at the end of this season.

A report this week suggested Ferrari have offered the seven-time F1 world champion – who has won six of his titles with Mercedes – a £40m-a-year contract to join the Scuderia from 2024.

Yet Hamilton, who covets a record-breaking eighth crown after missing out controversially in Abu Dhabi in 2021, revealed that his representatives are close to concluding negotiations with Mercedes over an extension.

Full quotes below:

‘Almost there’: Lewis Hamilton provides Mercedes contract update amid Ferrari links

Driver Standings ahead of Monaco:

Friday 26 May 2023 10:31 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 119 points

2) Sergio Perez - 105 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 75 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 56 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 44 points

6) George Russell - 40 points

7) Charles Leclerc - 34 points

8) Lance Stroll - 27 points

9) Lando Norris - 10 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 8 points

11) Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 6 points

13) Valtteri Bottas - 4 points

14) Oscar Piastri - 4 points

15) Zhou Guanyu - 2 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

17) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

18) Alex Albon - 1 point

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

Ferrari boss gives Lewis Hamilton update after reports of shock move

Friday 26 May 2023 10:14 , Kieran Jackson

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has denied reports that his team have put in an offer to bring Lewis Hamilton to the team next season.

A report this week stated Hamilton has received a £40m-a-year deal to join the Scuderia from 2024, with his Mercedes contract expiring at the end of the season.

Yet Vasseur, speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, firmly rebuked the report.

“You know perfectly that at this stage of the season, you will have each week a different story,” he said.

“And we are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton. We didn’t do it.”

Full quotes below:

Ferrari boss gives Lewis Hamilton update after reports of shock move

F1 race schedule: What time is the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend?

Friday 26 May 2023 10:07 , Kieran Jackson

The sixth race weekend of the 2023 season, the Monaco Grand Prix, takes place from Friday 26 May - Sunday 28 May.

The schedule is as follows: first practice takes place at 12:30pm (BST) with FP2 at 4pm.

On Saturday, third practice takes place at 11:30am before qualifying at 3pm (BST).

The race on Sunday has a start time of 2pm (BST).

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he come to regret it?

Friday 26 May 2023 10:04 , Kieran Jackson

Comment by Kieran Jackson

The denials came from all angles on media day in Monaco. Speculation that Lewis Hamilton could move to Ferrari next year, in a £40m deal no less, has ramped up this week but was quickly quashed on Thursday by both Hamilton and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur.

In fact, Hamilton went further, revealing his representatives are “almost there” in agreeing a new deal with Mercedes. The 38-year-old’s current contract with the Silver Arrows – where he has won six of his seven world titles since joining in an inspired decision a decade ago – expires at the end of this season. Despite the wait, the noise from both the Brit and team boss Toto Wolff has been that an extension is a simple inevitability. Not a case of if, but when.

Read full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton has shut the door on Ferrari – will he regret it?

F1 practice at the Monaco Grand Prix

Friday 26 May 2023 10:01 , Kieran Jackson

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of practice at the Monaco Grand Prix!

After the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last week, all the drivers will be desperate to get back in the cockpit for two hour-long practice sessions in the principality.

All eyes are on Mercedes, as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell take to the track in a newly revamped Mercedes car, with new sidepods, a new front suspension and a new floor being trialled.

FP1 starts at 12:30pm, while second practice at 4pm. Stay right here for all the build-up and updates.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)