Charles Leclerc reflects on a bittersweet Monaco GP, proud of his F1 podium finish but aware Ferrari lost the race on Saturday.
Charles Leclerc gave everything to beat Lando Norris, both in qualifying and during the race, but the Ferrari driver had to settle for second place at his home Grand Prix. Nevertheless, he is pleased with a podium finish and congratulated the day’s winner.
“I’m not really disappointed, but in the end, we lost the race yesterday. We should have done a better job, Lando did a better job this weekend and he deserves the victory,” said Leclerc, before putting the result into perspective compared to initial expectations.
“I already fulfilled my childhood dream last year, not this year. But if I look at the overall picture, it’s far beyond our expectations — we didn’t think we’d be in the top 10 and we ended up on the podium, even if I would have liked to win.”
The Monegasque still enjoyed himself during the race: “It was good in the car for me too. The start of the race was boring because I had to build a gap to Lando. But when I saw that Max was playing the long game and hoping for a red flag, it helped me put pressure on Lando, but it wasn’t enough.”
He also thanked the Monegasque crowd after another successful weekend in front of his home fans: “As I always say, as a Ferrari driver we’re lucky to have support everywhere.”
“But being born here and feeling everyone behind me is special. It really warms my heart to have so much support. I would have loved to give them first place, but I hope to do it next year.”
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