MONACO — Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc emerged victorious at the restarted Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his first Formula 1 win in nearly two years from the pole position.
Leclerc started on pole for the third time in four years, but had never previously reached the podium at his home race. This win, his first since Austria in July 2022, brought his total career wins to six, all achieved with Ferrari.
“Tonight’s going to be a big night,” he expressed to his team over the radio.
For Leclerc, a victory at Monaco held special significance, as he had grown up in a flat overlooking the start-finish line, watching cars speed by below.
“No words can explain that. It was the race that made me want to be a Formula 1 driver one day,” the 26-year-old Leclerc shared. “Seeing so many of my friends on the balcony, so many people I know. It means a huge amount to me.”
The last 15 laps proved to be the most challenging as the realization of what winning would mean began to sink in for him.
“I must say I was thinking about my dad,” Leclerc mentioned regarding his late father. “It was a dream of ours for me to race here and win, so it’s unbelievable.”
Championship leader Max Verstappen, aiming for a fourth consecutive F1 title, saw his lead narrowed to 31 points over second-place Leclerc — 169-138 — after eight races completed.
Verstappen started and finished the race in sixth for Red Bull, with his teammate Sergio Perez retiring from the race after a significant first-lap crash.
The crash also involved Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, leading to a red flag interruption for 40 minutes. Fortunately, the drivers escaped unharmed.
The race resumed on Lap 3 of 78, with the drivers cautiously navigating the track, especially Leclerc who managed his tires wisely on the challenging circuit notorious for limited overtaking opportunities.
Leclerc finished approximately 8 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and 9 seconds ahead of Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. who secured third place.
FAQ
Q: Who won the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1?
A: Charles Leclerc emerged victorious at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Charles Leclerc’s triumph at the Monaco Grand Prix marked a significant milestone in his Formula 1 career, with a remarkable win at his home race. The excitement and challenges of the race provided fans with a thrilling spectacle.
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