Leclerc topped both Friday practice sessions in Monaco despite initial scepticism about Ferrari's chances in the principality

A new iconic American racing tradition was born at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday as the first-ever Wienie 500 set the track ablaze — or whatever the equivalent is of doing 60 miles per hour in a giant hot dog on wheels.

Found this on the series' photo site from the 2024 #Indy500. Had to pull up the exposure to see the darkened rear and it shows the blended attenuator. Third photo is the attenuator on the car in the IMS Museum, with a similar exposure change to reveal the shiny dark black seam… pic.twitter.com/sLahd6QJ2E

They have comfortably been the slowest of the top four teams and suffered a double Q2 exit at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. A repeat showing in Monaco would be disastrous, given how difficult it is to overtake on the narrow streets of the principality.

The Monaco GP circuit provides a unique challenge to F1 teams and their cars, which is why updates are very much one-offs compared to the rest of the season

Gabriel Bortoleto can feel the weight of history as the Brazilian rookie prepares to race around the same metal-fenced Monaco streets once dominated by his Formula One idol Ayrton Senna.

How can the spectacle of the sport's most famous venue be improved? For some, the answer is simple: the grande dame of grands prix is no longer fit for purpose and should be struck off the calendar. But when the Automobile Club de Monaco signed a new seven-year deal last year,