Charles Leclerc thrilled the Ferrari fans by setting the pace in both practice sessions for his home Monaco Grand Prix on Friday after overcoming an early collision and despite low expectations.

Lewis Hamilton was fifth, but as he chased a late improvement the seven-time world champion lost control over his Ferrari in the long left-hander of Massenet, sliding into the barriers with his right-rear and then right-front, causing a red flag that effectively ended the session.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc clocked a best lap of one minute and 10.953 seconds to beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.280 seconds.