Italian Formula One fans could have mixed feelings heading into the Monaco Grand Prix, as Kimi Antonelli points to Ferrari as the favorites to end his winning streak.
The 19-year-old Italian celebrated his fourth straight win with Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix, taking a 43-point lead over teammate George Russell in the championship standings.
Ferrari, Italy's team, hasn't won a grand prix since October 2024, but Lewis Hamilton finished second in Montreal.
Monaco is a winding street race where top speed and engine power are not as critical, giving Ferrari an advantage.
"I think Ferrari is going to be the team to beat in Monaco," Antonelli told Sky Sports. "For sure Ferrari is the favorite because with that winglet they have in the back, it's giving them a lot of downforce at low speeds."
Mercedes has won all five grands prix this year. Hamilton's second-place finish in Montreal was his best result since joining Ferrari from Mercedes in January.
Hamilton, a three-time Monaco winner, said the circuit could level the playing field: "If you take away the power deficit, we're in the fight with these guys. Monaco should be fun."
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur noted that Monaco is "a completely different story" and that the team has been notably quick off the mark due to a smaller turbo design, making the car more responsive.