The 2024 Formula 1 season delivered several memorable moments.
But one that may have topped the list came a year ago at the Monaco Grand Prix when hometown hero Charles Leclerc, after years of heartbreak in his home race, finally broke through with his first win in the Monaco Grand Prix.
However, Leclerc is not anticipating a repeat.
Speaking in the FIA Press Conference Thursday ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc downplayed his chances this weekend.
“I mean, if you want an honest answer, then low, because unfortunately our car hasn’t been particularly strong in low-speed corners,” said Leclerc when asked about his chances at another win in Monaco. “And there’s only low-speed corners here in Monaco. So on paper, it doesn’t look like the most promising track for us. But Monaco is so unique and so different from anything we race on over the season that we can have a good surprise once we put the car down tomorrow – which I hope will happen.
“And if it does, then I hope to be there on Saturday because qualifying will remain the most important part of the weekend. But on paper, it’s going to be a tough one.”
Leclerc did make it clear that Monaco is one circuit where the driver can potentially make a difference.
“Well, it can make a difference. I think there’s been years where we definitely did not expect to be on pole, and when you think that you have zero hopes, you just go for it – maybe a little bit more than people that are trying to manage expectations in Q3,” said Leclerc. “And you manage to do something special, like I think we did in 2021 where we were nowhere all season, but we managed to put it on pole here. So, I still have hopes that we can reproduce what happened last year. Obviously, it’s still very fresh in my mind to come back in this paddock. The last time I was there, we won, and it was a very special moment for me.”
Leclerc went on to say that there is an “opportunity” for him this week, given his previous success on street circuits.
“Of course, you believe in yourself,” began Leclerc.
“I know that on street tracks, it’s been relatively positive for me in the past, so I know that there’s an opportunity there. The only thing that I will say changes from this year compared to other years is that we have a very specific weakness, in my opinion, which are slow-speed corners. And Monaco being only slow-speed corners, it will be a very big achievement – and a very big surprise as well – if we are a lot better than what we expect,” continued the Ferrari driver.
“But yeah, the motivation that I have coming here is always very special. It’s a very unique track, very different to what we are used to everywhere else. And we can be surprised positively. So the hopes are still high, but let’s say that on paper, it doesn’t look as positive.”
Leclerc changed his hometown luck a year ago on the streets where he learned to drive. But to hear him talk, he might need even more luck this year if he wants to repeat in the Monaco Grand Prix.
