Formula 1 | The end of the ‘curse of Monaco’? Leclerc “not at all superstitious” for today
Charles Leclerc surely did the most during his qualifying in Monaco, by taking pole position. But of course there is still work to be done.
The pace in long stints in Monaco is less important than elsewhere, but you never know with the strategic shifts: how then does Ferrari stand on this point? Charles Leclerc, here too, is optimistic.
” Good. It was good. I mean, we only did three or four laps, but it looks good. So I hope that will be the current case today. There is a bit of a chance of rain too. But yeah, that’s good. »
Let’s talk about the rain precisely: it could be the X factor derailing the weekend of Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. Fear it?
“We were strong in the rain in Imola, so whatever happens we will try to make the best of it and finally get a good result at home. »
“But I don’t think I’ve ever driven in the rain here in Monaco. Not that I remember. So it’s going to be tricky. I mean, urban layouts are very tricky. Monaco is probably one of the toughest circuits of the season and in the wet I’m sure it’s even tougher. But yes, we are ready for that. And the last two years have been tough for us in the wet, but this year we seem to be finally finding the right window a bit more to perform in the wet, so we’ll see but we’ll be fine. »
Charles Leclerc has never completed a race in Monaco, whether in F2 or F1. Will he, by superstition, modify something in his pre-race preparation for example today? Does he believe in a certain curse of the Rock…?
“No. No, no, no. I mean, I don’t believe in… I’m not superstitious at all. So, no, I’m not going to change anything (about my procedures). I mean, we had a good weekend so far and we’re starting in the best possible position for the race. So hopefully we’ll have a clean race. And finally have a good result at home.”
Sainz and Pérez in ambush
Behind him, to protect him, Charles Leclerc can count on Carlos Sainz, 2nd.
We sent the Spaniard a little more comfortable in the Ferrari this weekend: can he confirm?
“It’s true that this weekend, I feel more comfortable with the car. Maybe it’s a characteristic of the fact that I’ve always been good in Monaco and always been quick here. So that’s a definite factor. And the car’s set-up is still very unique in Monaco compared to the rest of the year. »
“So it may be specific to this circuit, it may not be. What is true is that I was better and more comfortable this weekend. That, I agree. »
Behind Carlos Sainz, on will find the Red Bull of Sergio Pérez. Does the Mexican consider it possible to get the Scuderia?
“I felt they were a bit early this weekend, the Ferraris, but we’ll see. It’s a long race that we expect. Obviously starting position is very important here, but yeah overall it was a competitive weekend. »