Fans Back Verstappen to End Mercedes' Monaco Streak

Max Verstappen enters Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with strong fan backing to disrupt Mercedes' recent dominance, despite starting second behind pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli. A RacingNews365 poll indicates that 38% of fans believe the Dutchman will find a way to win on the streets of Monte Carlo, capitalizing on a recurring weakness in the Silver Arrows' launch procedures.

Why it matters:

Antonelli is chasing his fifth victory of the season from pole position, yet Mercedes has repeatedly failed to convert front-row starts into leads at Turn 1 throughout 2026. At Monaco, where passing opportunities are virtually nonexistent, losing ground off the line can doom even the fastest car to a frustrating afternoon of defensive driving. A Verstappen victory would not only halt Mercedes' momentum but also reignite a championship fight that has threatened to become a one-sided affair.

The details:

• Verstappen topped the fan poll with 38% of the vote, narrowly edging out Antonelli, who received 34%.
• Lewis Hamilton, launching from third on the grid, garnered just under 19% support from respondents.
• Mercedes has struggled with race starts at most rounds this season, frequently surrendering track position before reaching the first corner.
• The tight and unforgiving Monaco layout places enormous strategic weight on the opening lap, making a clean getaway essential for the eventual race outcome.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the start procedure when the lights go out in Monaco. If Antonelli and Mercedes have finally ironed out their launch issues and hold the inside line through Sainte Devote, he may cruise to another victory. Should the pole-sitter suffer another sluggish getaway, however, Verstappen will be perfectly positioned to seize the lead and potentially cruise to a win that fundamentally alters the trajectory of the title battle.