Monaco: Kimi Antonelli has topped the final free practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix, setting the fastest time in his Mercedes. The 19-year-old Italian, who leads the Formula 1 World Championship standings, completed a lap of 1 minute 12.720 seconds at the famous Monaco circuit, ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who finished second and third respectively.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Antonelli goes into the Monaco race weekend in high confidence after extending his championship lead to 43 points over his British teammate George Russell, following four wins in the last five races. Leclerc was 0.327 seconds off the pace, while Hamilton was 0.331 seconds behind, as attention now turns to qualifying later today, given its crucial importance at a circuit where overtaking is difficult.
The session was briefly halted after Haas driver Oliver Bearman hit the barriers after losing control at one of the corners, causing significant damage to his rear wing. Meanwhile, reigning champion and last year's Monaco winner Lando Norris returned to the track after resolving an electrical issue with his McLaren during Friday practice, but could only manage ninth place.
Race organisers confirmed that McLaren would not face any penalties for overnight work carried out on the car, which falls under permitted exceptions during the season.