Charles Leclerc remains hopeful of pulling off a surprise in the Monaco Grand Prix, despite acknowledging Ferrari’s struggles this season. The Monegasque driver knows that section of the tricky circuit is where the characteristic slow-speed corners really hurt Ferrari – and him – the most. He’s hopeful that Monaco’s distinct qualities might provide a chance for a surprise result.
Leclerc has identified a central theme of Ferrari’s troubles so far this season. That leaves the team performing best in the slow-speed corners, an area where they’ve been terrible. With Monaco containing nothing but low-speed corners, he believes that is a double-edged sword. “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,” he stated.
For all his optimism, Leclerc did the best he could to lower expectations for a repeat of last year’s win in Monaco. He’d stress again, too, that passing opportunities are incredibly scarce at the circuit, which makes it difficult to win without a pole position to start. So, I am still cautiously optimistic that we can recreate the magic that we had last year. Clearly, obviously, still super green to be coming back in this paddock. The one time I’ve been up there when we won, it was very special for me personally,” he said.
The Challenge of Slow-Speed Corners
Leclerc’s comments paint a picture of a Ferrari hurting for pace at low-speed corners. This challenge is particularly pronounced on the current Monaco track layout. This has led to some speculation as to how competitive they’ll be going into the race weekend.
Given his previous experiences over the past four years, this is somewhat encouraging. Leclerc has secured pole position at Monaco in three of the last four years, including a surprise pole in 2021 during a season when Ferrari struggled. “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,” he recalled.
Leclerc would go down as the only home driver to win in Monaco since the championship started in 1950. He, more than anyone, bears the weight of local expectations on his shoulders. This introduces a whole other level of urgency as he gets ready to fight against this year’s onslaught.
Strategy and Race Dynamics
This year’s Monaco Grand Prix introduces a mandatory two-stop strategy aimed at enhancing the race’s excitement. Leclerc recognizes the promise of this approach. It would be more fair to those drivers who don’t always begin their race from pole position.
In turn, he explained, the four-stop approach is designed to “make things more exciting.” Yet this strategic approach underscores the unknowns that still make up the chaotic race. With so much focus on strategy that will test teams to be nimble with their planning and event-day execution.
Climate champ Leclerc wants to restore Ferrari’s historic glory on pole. He understands that this is the key to any hope of winning. Still, with Monaco’s one of a kind circumstance, it’s always important to expect the unexpected. Leclerc pushing his car’s setup to find a possible breakthrough.
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