FIA Gathers F1 Stars Norris, Verstappen, Leclerc for Monaco Press Sessions

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has confirmed its schedule for the official press conferences ahead of the 2026 Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix, bringing together a selection of Formula 1Competition·Formula 1's most notable figures. Reigning World Champion Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris, alongside Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen and local hero Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc, are set to address the media, providing insights into the unique challenges of the iconic street circuit and the evolving 2026 season.

The initial session, scheduled for 15:30 Bulgarian time, will feature Gabriel BortoletoPlayer·Gabriel Bortoleto, Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris, and Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc. This will be followed at 16:00 by a second group comprising Esteban OconPlayer·Esteban Ocon, Alex AlbonPlayer·Alex Albon, and Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen. These sessions are a customary prelude to the race weekend, offering drivers an opportunity to share their perspectives on strategy, car performance, and the competitive landscape.

Notably absent from the FIA's official driver press conferences are MercedesTeam·Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George RussellPlayer·George Russell, as well as FerrariTeam·Ferrari's Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton. However, these drivers are expected to participate in separate media events organised by their respective teams, ensuring all key voices are heard ahead of the Grand Prix.

The team principals' press conference will also see significant figures, with Flavio BriatoreCoach·Flavio Briatore, Pedro de la RosaCoach·Pedro de la Rosa representing Aston MartinTeam·Aston Martin, and CadillacTeam·Cadillac's Dan TaurisCoach·Dan Tauris confirmed to attend. The presence of CadillacTeam·Cadillac's chief underscores the expanded grid for the 2026 season, which now features 22 cars, adding another layer of complexity to qualifying and race management.

This year's Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix arrives amidst a season defined by significant regulation changes, particularly concerning power units and active aerodynamics. The 2026 regulations mandate a 50:50 power split between the internal combustion engine and electrical power, alongside new active aero elements designed to enhance racing. However, the tight confines of MonacoVenue·Monaco mean that the new "straight mode" active aerodynamics will not be available throughout the lap, with a new "Rev1" mode introduced to manage energy deployment.

As the championship battle intensifies, Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli (MercedesTeam·Mercedes) currently leads the World Drivers' ChampionshipCompetition·World Drivers' Championship with 131 points, closely followed by his teammate George RussellPlayer·George Russell with 88 points. Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc holds third with 75 points, while Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton is fourth with 72 points. Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris, the 2025 Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix winner, sits fifth with 58 points, having faced reliability issues with his McLarenTeam·McLaren early in the season. Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen is currently seventh with 43 points, and has been a vocal critic of the new regulations.

"We just went from the best cars to the worst," Lando Norris stated earlier in the season, expressing concerns about the new FIA rules. He added, "Too much chaos. And there will be a serious incident. You're trying to drive, and you realize something terrible could happen." Max Verstappen has echoed similar sentiments, repeatedly describing the new rules as a "mockery."

For Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc, the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix represents a unique opportunity at his home circuit, where he has historically encountered misfortune. FerrariTeam·Ferrari's 2026 car is reportedly well-suited to slow-speed corners, a characteristic that could prove advantageous on the Principality's demanding layout. Leclerc recently secured a multi-year contract extension with FerrariTeam·Ferrari, solidifying his future with the Italian team.

Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton, who achieved his best result with FerrariTeam·Ferrari by finishing second in Canada, also weighed in on the regulatory shifts. "The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career," Hamilton commented. Meanwhile, the MercedesTeam·Mercedes team faces rising tensions between Antonelli and Russell following their on-track encounters in Canada, where Russell retired due to an engine failure.

McLarenTeam·McLaren will also mark a significant milestone in MonacoVenue·Monaco, celebrating its 1000th Grand Prix with a special livery, adding another layer of historical significance to the event. The stage is set for a compelling weekend, where the unique demands of MonacoVenue·Monaco, combined with the new regulations and intense championship battles, promise an unpredictable spectacle.