2026 Monaco GP: Qualifying Start Time and Weekend Schedule

Qualifying for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix is set for Saturday at 16:00 local time in Monte Carlo, running until 17:00. The Grand Prix follows Sunday at 15:00 local time, wrapping up the weekend on the streets of the Principality, with practice sessions starting Friday.

Why it matters:

At Monaco, qualifying effectively is the race. The narrow streets make overtaking nearly impossible, so Saturday’s grid lock-in frequently decides the outcome. A clean, committed lap is essential for any driver hoping to win F1’s most prestigious event.

The details:

• Saturday Qualifying: 16:00–17:00 local time (15:00–16:00 UK). With the barriers inches away, the fight for pole is often the weekend’s most dramatic moment.
• Weekend Schedule: Friday’s FP1 runs 13:30–14:30 and FP2 17:00–18:00 local time. FP3 is Saturday at 12:30–13:30.
• Sunday Race: The Grand Prix starts at 15:00 local time (14:00 UK) for 78 laps around the unforgiving Monaco circuit.
• Time Zone: Monaco uses CEST (UTC+2), one hour ahead of British Summer Time.

What's next:

Teams will fine-tune their setups through Friday and Saturday practice before the crucial qualifying session. A front-row start doesn't guarantee victory, but at Monaco, it remains the single strongest predictor of who sees the checkered flag first on Sunday afternoon.