Leclerc fastest in Monaco practice as Hamilton crashes

Monaco: Charles Leclerc completed a hat trick of perfect practice runs on Saturday when he topped the times for Ferrari at the Monaco Grand Prix, as L...

Monaco: Charles Leclerc completed a hat-trick of perfect practice runs on Saturday when he topped the times for Ferrari at the Monaco Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton crashed into the barriers.

Leclerc, who last year became the first Monegasque winner of his home event in the Formula One era, clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.953 seconds -- the only driver to dip below one minute and 11 seconds -- to beat Max Verstappen by 0.280 seconds.

Ferrari and Leclerc are hoping for a repeat of their emotional 2024 triumph, but their mood was spoiled when the Monegasque's teammate Hamilton crashed on entry to Casino Square to end the session with a red flag.

He was unhurt, but it was an uncharacteristic setback for the Briton who had looked fast and strong.

Hamilton was running in the turbulent air behind Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and Esteban Ocon of Haas when he lost downforce and hit the barriers.