The Quiet Moments Before Monaco

In Emilia-Romagna, Kimi Antonelli received the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy. The award, given only once to a driver for commendable performance in motorsport, is a significant marker, especially in a second season. The ceremony took place in his home country, with his family and the Mercedes team present, before the grid descended on Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix.

The occasion was grounded in something more personal than an award. Antonelli drove his father's GT3 race car through Motor Valley, the heartland of Italian motorsport. Later, he was at Mugello for MotoGP, where he waved the chequered flag for Marco Bezzecchi's first home victory. With Antonelli leading the Formula 1 standings and Bezzecchi at the top of MotoGP, it marked the first time since 1952 that Italians led both championships at once.

Across The Grid

Last year’s World Champion, Lando Norris, spent his Monday after Montreal in Indianapolis. He joined the Indy 500 celebrations, congratulating winner Felix Rosenqvist before getting a tour of the oval from Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan. After a difficult weekend in Montreal, the trip seemed to serve its purpose. Norris later visited the Arrow McLaren centre with teammate Pato O’Ward, then played golf with Zak Brown and Christian Lundgard.

His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, found his way to the Isle of Man TT. He took in the action from a front garden, embracing the unique spirit of one of motorsport’s most unforgiving events. Hollywood actor Channing Tatum was also on the island filming a movie about the race. In a more unusual turn, it was announced that a new species of wasp discovered in Burmese amber, `Gwesped piastrii`, was named in his honor. Researchers felt the amber’s color recalled McLaren’s papaya livery.

Lance Stroll, meanwhile, stayed in his home city after the Montreal race. The 27-year-old Aston Martin driver caught a Montreal Canadiens home game in the NHL Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. Though the Canadiens lost the series 4-1, Stroll met with some of the players before the game.

Paddock Notes

As the teams prepare for Monaco, McLaren is marking its 1000th race in Formula 1. Norris and Piastri spent time in Germany, driving a selection of McLaren cars on the Nordschleife despite damp conditions. Other teams are also making their presence felt, with Aston Martin revealing a special livery for the weekend.

The sport itself continues to evolve, with the latest F1 Commission meeting resulting in an agreement on rule tweaks for the 2027 season. These moments between races are also filled with reflection on the sport's history. Jean Alesi recently looked back on his single Grand Prix victory from 1995, and the F1 Nation podcast released its preview of the Monaco race.

Away from the track, life is simpler. Franco Colapinto celebrated his 23rd birthday with a giant slice of cake from his teammate Pierre Gasly in the back of a car. Carlos Sainz spent time on the water. George Russell attended a wedding with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt. Valtteri Bottas was in supporter mode as his partner, Tiffany Cromwell, won the Australian Gravel Championships for a second time.

Pierre Gasly watched PSG win the Champions League final on Saturday, leaping around the room in celebration. His dog, Simba, held in his arms, seemed considerably less thrilled by the whole thing.

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