Charles Leclerc failed to win his home race for the second time. The Monegasque crossed the finish line in ‘his’ principality in second place on Sunday. In the final stages, he ramped up the pressure and seemed to be able to challenge Norris for the lead, but on the narrow street circuit, he too failed to create real opportunities. “It’s a shame, but we tried everything,” he sighed over the radio.
“I’m not really happy,” he admitted later to interviewer Jenson Button. “But well, at the end of the day, we lost the race yesterday. We did well, but Norris and McLaren were just a bit better today.” Leclerc was dominant in Monaco last year – he became the first Monegasque to win his home race. “I fulfilled my childhood dream last year,” he reflected. “This year that was not possible; a podium finish actually exceeded my expectations. I thought even the top ten would be a challenge.”
In the final stages, Leclerc seemed to be able to compete for the win, but overtaking proved impossible again in Monaco. “I couldn’t push too much, but when I saw Max Verstappen, I tried to put some pressure on him (Norris).” The Dutchman led for a long time, but still had to make one mandatory pit stop. “It was to no avail,” Leclerc sighed. Finally, he addressed his home fans: “As a Ferrari driver, you enjoy a lot of support everywhere, but this circuit is extra special for me. There aren’t many Monegasques, but nevertheless, I feel their support. I would have liked to give them a victory, but it is what it is.”
