Lewis Hamilton Steals the Show at Monaco GP with Rare Ducati, Plus Norris and Leclerc Summoned to Stewards

Lewis Hamilton made a memorable entrance at the Monaco Grand Prix, riding an ultra-rare Ducati Panigale V4 S 100 through the streets, before using his platform to address the rising costs of karting. Meanwhile, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have already been summoned to the FIA stewards before any on-track action for being late to the pre-race press conference.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's arrival underscores his star power even at F1's most glamorous event, but his comments on karting costs highlight a systemic issue threatening the sport's talent pipeline. The stewards' swift action on punctuality shows FIA's commitment to discipline, while the Monaco GP faces new challenges with 22 cars on track from 2026.

The details:

• Hamilton's entrance: The Ferrari driver rode the Ducati Panigale V4 S 100, a special edition limited to 100 units worldwide to celebrate Ducati's centenary, through Casino Square, drawing crowds.
• Karting cost crisis: Hamilton compared his own family's sacrifices — his father spent £53,000 in his first year, remortgaging the house — to today's reality, where an eight-year-old's annual karting budget can exceed $1 million. He argued it's becoming about family wealth, not talent.
• Stewards summons: Norris and Leclerc arrived one minute late to Thursday's drivers' press conference, forcing a delayed start. Both must appear before stewards on Friday morning — Leclerc at 10:00 local, Norris at 10:10.
• 22-car qualifying concern: During the press conference, both drivers voiced worries about managing 22 cars on Monaco's tight circuit once Cadillac joins the grid in 2026. Leclerc called it "tricky" and "not ideal for Q1."

What's next:

Hamilton's karting remarks will likely fuel further debate on F1's grassroots accessibility. Norris and Leclerc face possible warnings or fines from the stewards, while the grid prepares for a busy weekend. With the 22-car issue looming, F1 may need to revisit qualifying format for Monaco in 2026.