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.

Local hero Charles Leclerc lamented the traffic that affected him in final qualifying on Saturday and admitted he was frustrated at missing out on his fourth Formula One Monaco Grand Prix pole position for Ferrari.