Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari Formula 1 driver, finds himself starting in sixth position on the grid for the Monaco Grand Prix, acknowledging that he will need some luck to contend for victory. In the past two seasons, Leclerc had secured pole position but encountered setbacks that prevented him from converting those advantageous starting positions into wins. Last year, a strategic error on a damp track dropped him from first to fourth, while in 2021, a cracked driveshaft discovered after his reconnaissance lap prevented him from starting the race.
After qualifying third in this year’s race, Leclerc was penalized with a three-place grid drop for impeding Lando Norris, pushing him back to sixth. Reflecting on his situation, Leclerc admitted that he will require a bit more luck than in previous years if he hopes to achieve a strong result. While the weather forecast remains uncertain, the possibility of rain during the race could introduce additional unpredictability.
Acknowledging the challenges he faced during qualifying, Leclerc expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of his Ferrari, particularly its response to the bumps on the track. Due to parc ferme regulations, the team is unable to make changes to the car’s setup ahead of the race, leaving Leclerc with a demanding 78 laps ahead. He highlighted the significant bouncing experienced at Turns 3 and 13, affecting his control and causing discomfort.
Leclerc’s 2021 season has yet to yield a Grand Prix victory, with his best result being a third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the challenges he faces, Leclerc remains determined and committed to giving his all during the race, hoping for a positive outcome. The unpredictable nature of the Monaco Grand Prix, coupled with the potential for rain, means that anything can happen on race day.