From the opening laps of first practice it was clear Mercedes would have an advantage in Monaco. As rival drivers ran up close or even nudged the barriers, both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas had track to spare as they traded fastest times at the top of the timesheets. Confidence is key on the streets of Monaco and from trackside it was clear both drivers had plenty.
By second practice, they started to stretch their legs. Even on the medium compound, Mercedes were able to match Ferrari on the softs and when Bottas and Hamilton switched to the fastest compound they emerged 0.