MONTECARLO — Haunted home, however nonetheless dwelling. For Charles Leclerc, Montecarlo it has remained prohibited to this point: in 5 races, two poles and nil podiums. “It stays particular for me” says the Monegasque driver who was born and raised on the streets of the Principality dreaming of the crimson one. On the eve of the Monaco weekend, the Ferrari driver actually would not lose hope of dispelling the house curse. In 2021 he took pole and crashed instantly afterwards on the Piscine (inflicting the interruption of qualifying): the next day on the formation lap it was found that his automotive was broken. Leclerc didn’t go away, in tears. In 2022, whereas he led within the rain, the wall technique condemned him to lose (he was 4th). A nightmare. Which Charles actually would not need to relive.
Leclerc: “I stay the boy I as soon as was, I’ve household and pals right here”
He lives these hours fascinated by what he has develop into: “I used to be at an occasion, I noticed my former classmates who needed pictures with me. Years in the past I used to be there with them. Loads has modified, however I have never modified. My household and pals are all the time the identical and it is vital to have them round, they assist preserve my ft on the bottom. Which is sweet, as a result of the Components 1 it’s kind of of a world aside.” Contemporary from third place in Imola final week, which allowed him to maneuver up within the common classification Sergio Perez and positioned 2nd behind Max Verstappen, Charles appears forward: “Right here we’re ranging from scratch. However I’d be stunned if we weren’t at the very least combating for pole.”
F1, Monaco GP: Verstappen desires to increase, however Leclerc feels at dwelling. The programme, instances and the place to observe it on TV
Sainz and the Williams temptation
Beginning in entrance of Monte Carlo is sort of important: the highway is slim, winding, virtually unattainable to overhaul. And customarily qualifying is one of the best session of the weekend, the race has usually provided (internet of security vehicles) lengthy trains. Leclerc can be uninterested in standing in line: “A podium at dwelling? It would not be price that a lot in actuality, as a result of 2nd or third place would not excite me. Right here issues by no means went the way in which I’d have favored, however we labored in the absolute best means and ready ourselves completely. We goal to win, that is our objective.” He’s nostalgic for that feeling: final success in Austria in 2022. Whereas his companion, Carlos Sainz, has now succeeded twice (Singapore 2023 and Melbourne this yr). The Spaniard will go away Ferrari on the finish of the yr and has not but signed a brand new contract (the Williams is attempting). Relating to which, he clarifies: “I have never given myself a deadline, I need to make the proper choice, will I take the required time? I affirm that the Mercedes Is that this not a suggestion on the desk? No, I will not affirm, sorry.”
Belief Ferrari, the updates work. Leclerc: “Now we’re extra aggressive”
by Alessandra Retico
Sainz: “I like driving in Monte Carlo”
What is for certain is that Sainz likes Monaco: he has all the time scored factors and with Ferrari twice on the rostrum (2 second locations in 2021 and 2022). “Why statistics so favorable to me? I actually take pleasure in driving right here. For the final 4 years I’ve had a really aggressive automotive right here. Difficult observe, expertise is required, it excites me. Qualifying counts rather a lot right here and even when it wasn’t our robust level this yr, I believe that with a few modifications, we will win. If we get a chance we’ll go and get it.”
Pink Bull, the rivals are getting nearer
The World Championship, from what now we have seen within the final two races, is actually extra aggressive. And the detachments from what was the unattainable Pink Bull of Verstappen, have develop into shorter. Behind, near or with the blue world champion, they’re there McLaren and certainly Ferrari. And Max Verstappen sees them. The world champion, who regardless of many difficulties within the varied periods went on to win in Imola regardless of being adopted by the papaya-coloured automotive of Lando Norris, he is aware of he has them on him: “After Miami we noticed that everybody had gotten nearer, Imola wasn’t the simplest weekend for us and in Monaco it’ll rely on who manages to seek out one of the best set-up. Nevertheless, sure, the values have actually come nearer collectively. And right here it will not be simple, it is by no means linear, issues can go nicely or badly, it’s important to be 100%.” And that is not all the time sufficient.
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– 2024-05-24 14:20:29
