Ferrari Sets Fastest Time in Monaco GP Practice: 2024 Session Analysis

The Monaco Grand Prix practice session is an official Formula 1 event held on the Circuit de Monaco, a 3.337 km street circuit in Monte Carlo. In 2024, Scuderia Ferrari, driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, set the fastest lap time during the second practice session (FP2). For Malaysian F1 enthusiasts—many of whom are longstanding tifosi—this performance offers a critical preview of qualifying pace and race-day potential. The session helps fans assess whether Ferrari’s setup can conquer the unique low-grip, high-downforce demands of Monaco’s tight and unforgiving layout, a stark contrast to the wide, tropical Sepang International Circuit that once hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Key Facts

Ferrari’s FP2 time was the benchmark of the 2024 Monaco practice sessions, with Leclerc outpacing the field by nearly two-tenths of a second.

How Did Ferrari Top the Timesheets in Monaco Practice?

Charles Leclerc set a 1:11.278s lap on soft tyres during FP2, outpacing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.188 seconds. The lap was set on a track with low grip, typical for Thursday sessions at Monaco. The team’s setup emphasised high downforce and mechanical grip, crucial for the circuit’s tight corners and bumpy surface.

Leclerc completed 27 laps over the session, consistently improving his times as the track rubbered in. His fastest lap used a setup with increased rear wing angle, which exchanged straight-line speed for cornering stability—a proven approach at Monaco. Careta.my’s track-side reporter noted that the Ferrari appeared planted through the swimming pool complex, where millimetre precision is mandatory.

“The car felt really connected; I could push with confidence,” Leclerc told Careta.my after the session.

Leclerc’s 1:11.278s lap on soft tyres was 0.188s faster than Verstappen, highlighting Ferrari’s early speed advantage.

What Are the Implications for Qualifying and the Race?

Ferrari’s practice pace suggests strong one-lap speed, which historically translates to a top-3 qualifying result at Monaco, where overtaking is limited. Leclerc’s performance indicates that he is a favourite for pole position, provided the team can maintain its advantage and manage tyre degradation through Q3.

The final sector time of 19.2 seconds—the fastest in the session—demonstrated exceptional rear-grip stability. Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur tempered expectations, acknowledging the circuit’s unique demands but praising the team’s preparation. “We know that Friday is just preparation, but the baseline is encouraging,” he said.

“We know that Friday is just preparation, but the baseline is encouraging,” said Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur.

Leclerc’s final sector time of 19.2 seconds was the fastest of the session, demonstrating the rear-grip stability crucial for Monaco’s tight sections.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This practice report is most relevant for Malaysian Formula 1 fans who closely follow the championship via Astro Supersport, Unifi TV, or streaming platforms. Whether they are long-time supporters of Scuderia Ferrari—a team with a massive following in Malaysia—or bettors seeking pre-qualifying insights, the detailed lap times and team reactions provide critical early indicators.

The compact, high-pressure nature of Monaco’s street circuit resonates with Malaysian urban residents familiar with tight spaces and precision driving, even if they are far from the historic stone walls of Monte Carlo. Malaysian tifosi clubs, particularly active during the Sepang era, view this performance as a hopeful sign for Ferrari’s season.

Malaysian Ferrari fans and Formula 1 enthusiasts use such practice insights to predict qualifying outcomes and enjoy the sport more deeply.

Common Questions

What time is the Monaco GP qualifying broadcast in Malaysia?

Qualifying typically airs at 10:00 PM Malaysian time (MYT) on Astro Supersport and Unifi TV. For the 2024 Monaco GP, the session started at 4:00 PM local time (CEST), which is 10:00 PM in Malaysia.

How did the other Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, perform in the same session?

Carlos Sainz placed fourth with a 1:11.550s lap, 0.272 seconds behind his teammate. His performance consolidated Ferrari’s strong one-lap pace, showing both cars were competitive at the front.

Is the Monaco GP circuit similar to Malaysia's Sepang?

No. Monaco is a narrow 3.337 km street circuit with walls, demanding extreme precision. Sepang is a wide, modern 5.543 km permanent track with long straights. The contrast is stark, but Malaysian fans appreciate both for their unique challenges.

These FAQs address the most common queries Malaysian F1 fans have about the Monaco GP practice and its relevance.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on Careta.my’s track-side report from the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix practice sessions (published in Malay), with additional data from Formula 1 official timing and team press releases. Lap times and team quotes have been cross-checked against official session documents. The original article title is “GP Monaco Ferrari Catat Masa Terpantas Dalam Sesi Latihan.” This English-language adaptation was last updated on 10 April 2025. Malaysian broadcast information was verified against Astro and Unifi TV schedules. All localisation decisions, including time-zone conversion and references to Sepang, were made to improve relevance for Malaysian readers.

This article adapts Careta.my’s original Malay-language practice report into an English, citation-optimized format for Malaysian and global readers.