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.

Follow live coverage as the field battles for pole position in a crucial qualifying session for tomorrow’s iconic grand prix in Monte Carlo

Local hero Charles Leclerc sealed a practice double at the Monaco Grand Prix as championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed into the barriers. The Australian, who leads McLaren team-mate Lando Norris by 13 points in the standings,