Leclerc: Ferrari Must ‘Surprise Us’ to Repeat Monaco GP Fairytale Win
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has expressed reservations about his team’s prospects of emulating last year’s emotional Monaco Grand Prix victory, attributing their struggles to a specific low-speed corner weakness in the SF-25. As the team prepares for this weekend’s event on the famous streets of Monte Carlo, Leclerc remains hopeful that they can still deliver an unexpected performance despite the current challenges.
Ferrari’s Track Challenges
The narrow confines of Monaco present unique challenges for drivers, particularly in low-speed corners, an area where Leclerc admits Ferrari has struggled throughout the season. After a promising start in 2024, the Scuderia’s performance has dipped, with Mclaren making strides while Ferrrari’s development has seemingly stalled.
Low-Speed Limitations
“When asked about his chances of securing another win, Leclerc candidly remarked, ‘If you want an honest answer, then low, because unfortunately our car hasn’t been particularly strong in low-speed corners and there’s only low-speed corners here in Monaco,'” he reflected on the team’s struggle to maintain competitiveness.
The Surprising Nature of Monaco
Despite the odds, Leclerc hinted at the unpredictable nature of the Monaco GP. “Monaco is so unique and different from anything we race on over the season,” he noted. “We can have a good surprise once we put the car down.” This uncertainty leaves room for optimism as the team prepares for qualifying, traditionally a crucial component of race weekend success.
Emotions Running High
Reflecting on last year’s win, Leclerc can’t shake the excitement associated with returning to the paddock where he achieved his first Formula 1 victory. “It’s still very fresh in my mind… the last time I was here, we won, and it was a very special moment for me,” he shared.
Focus on Low-Speed Performance
In a bid to maximise their potential on the tight circuit, the team is narrowing its setup focus to low-speed performance. Leclerc acknowledged, “That’s definitely one of the questions we also asked ourselves coming here… we’ll try and focus and put the car in the best place possible for low-speed corners.”
The Road Ahead
While expectations are tempered, the unpredictability of the Monaco Grand Prix leaves fans and pundits alike wondering if Ferrari can indeed spring a surprise. With further upgrades slated for Barcelona and a keen desire to rediscover their form, the Scuderia’s challenge extends beyond just this race weekend. Will Leclerc and Ferrari manage to reclaim the magic of Monaco? Only time will tell as the engines rev up once more.
For updates and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to BBC Sport.
