F1 Qualifying Today: Monaco Grand Prix 2026 Start Times, Schedule, TV Channel and Free Live Stream Details
By Hugo Harvey
June 6, 2026
The most important qualifying session of the Formula 1 season takes place today as drivers prepare for a crucial battle around the iconic streets of Monaco.
Qualifying for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix gets underway on Saturday, June 6, with every driver fully aware that securing pole position could prove decisive in determining the outcome of Sunday’s race. Overtaking around the narrow and unforgiving Monte Carlo circuit remains one of the most difficult challenges in Formula 1, making Saturday’s session arguably more important than the grand prix itself.
So far this season, Mercedes have maintained a perfect record in qualifying, with their drivers sharing every pole position available. The Silver Arrows have emerged as the dominant force of the 2026 campaign, continuing the momentum that has placed them firmly at the top of both championships.
Young Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli has established himself as the man to beat after an extraordinary run of form. The Mercedes star arrives in Monaco leading team-mate George Russell by 43 points following an impressive streak of four consecutive grand prix victories.
While Mercedes remain favourites on paper, Monaco presents a unique challenge that could disrupt the established order.
Ferrari have demonstrated exceptional pace through low-speed corners throughout the season, a characteristic that could prove particularly valuable around the tight confines of Monte Carlo. The famous street circuit is packed with slow-speed sections including Sainte Devote, the Grand Hotel Hairpin, Portier and the Swimming Pool complex, all areas where Ferrari have shown significant strength.
That has led many observers to believe that Ferrari could finally end Mercedes’ qualifying dominance.
Home favourite Charles Leclerc enters the weekend as one of the leading contenders for pole position. The Monegasque driver has enjoyed strong performances at his home event in recent years and will be desperate to deliver another memorable result in front of local supporters.
Alongside him, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also appears to be a serious contender. Hamilton’s experience and Ferrari’s apparent pace around Monaco could place the British driver firmly in the battle for the front row.
Several other teams will also hope to challenge. McLaren, Red Bull and Aston Martin have all shown flashes of competitiveness during the opening rounds of the season and will be aiming to maximise every opportunity during the hour-long qualifying session.
The final practice session earlier on Saturday will provide teams with one last opportunity to fine-tune their setups before the crucial fight for pole begins.
Monaco Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying Start Times
The green light at the end of the pit lane will be shown at 16:00 local time in Monaco, marking the beginning of one of the most anticipated qualifying sessions of the year.
Location Time
Monaco (CEST) 16:00 Saturday
United Kingdom (BST) 15:00 Saturday
United States ET 10:00 Saturday
United States CT 09:00 Saturday
United States PT 07:00 Saturday
Brazil (BRT) 11:00 Saturday
Mexico (CST) 08:00 Saturday
South Africa (SAST) 16:00 Saturday
India (IST) 19:30 Saturday
China (CST) 22:00 Saturday
Singapore (SGT) 22:00 Saturday
Japan (JST) 23:00 Saturday
UAE (GST) 18:00 Saturday
Australia AWST 22:00 Saturday
Australia AET 00:00 Sunday
For fans in Nigeria, qualifying begins at 3:00 PM WAT on Saturday, June 6.
How To Watch Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying
Formula 1 fans around the world will have multiple viewing options available for the Monaco qualifying session.
In the United Kingdom, coverage will be available through Sky Sports. Viewers in the United States can watch through Apple TV, while Canadian audiences can tune in via TSN and RDS.
Across Africa, including Nigeria, coverage will be broadcast live on SuperSport, allowing fans to follow every moment from Monte Carlo.
Other major broadcasters include Canal+ in France, DAZN in Spain and Japan, Sky Italia in Italy, Sky Deutschland in Germany, ESPN across much of Latin America, and beIN SPORTS throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia.
With Mercedes aiming to maintain their unbeaten qualifying record, Ferrari hoping to capitalise on Monaco’s unique characteristics, and Leclerc chasing glory on home soil, all the ingredients are in place for a thrilling showdown around one of Formula 1’s most legendary circuits.
By the end of the afternoon, the identity of the Monaco Grand Prix pole-sitter will be known, and history suggests that driver could already have one hand on the winner’s trophy.