Monaco GP: Leclerc Tops Practice, Cautious Optimism Reigns
Charles Leclerc emerged as the frontrunner in both practice sessions for the Monaco Grand Prix, clocking a best time of 1:11.355 in FP2. Despite his impressive performance, the Ferrari driver remains cautiously optimistic about the weekend’s potential.
Leclerc’s initial session was marred by a collision with Lance Stroll, who inadvertently drifted back onto the racing line. After this setback, Leclerc quickly found his rhythm, achieving the only sub-1:12 lap-time of FP1 with a 1:11.964, just ahead of Max Verstappen.
Reflecting on his performance, Leclerc stated, "It’s too early to feel very positive… but Friday has been very positive for us. I’ve been feeling pretty good with the car." His comments underline a cautious approach, as pre-race predictions suggested Ferrari might struggle on the tight, technical streets of Monte Carlo.
Looking ahead to qualifying, Leclerc emphasized the importance of grid position: "Qualifying is going to be fundamental around here… we’ve got to be starting in front if we want to hope for a good result." He also noted a favorable feel across all tire compounds supplied by Pirelli, potentially allowing for strategic flexibility.
Teammate Lewis Hamilton echoed positive sentiments about the Ferrari chassis. He highlighted areas for improvement within his driving style but indicated minimal necessary adjustments to the car’s setup. “I think there’s more to find in my driving… but maximum I think that would be it,” Hamilton remarked, hinting at the confidence in Ferrari’s package.
As drivers prepare for crucial qualifying sessions, the blend of high stakes and tight competition in Monaco promises an exhilarating start to the race weekend.
