Leclerc: “Formula 1 without Monaco is not Formula 1”
Charles Leclerc, the local hero this weekend, emphasized the importance of having the Monaco Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar.
Like most drivers, Charles Leclerc wants to see the Monaco Grand Prix remain on the calendar, as rumors continue to circulate about its removal at the end of the year. And unlike other drivers, the Monegasque has an emotional argument to make, that of racing with the fastest cars in the world on the streets of his childhood.
“I think it would be a bad decision for both parties right now,” said Leclerc about the disappearance of his home Grand Prix. “I have never known Monaco without F1, except for Covid-related reasons in 2020.”
And Formula 1 without Monaco, for me, it’s not Formula 1. I believe that Formula 1 has a history, has some historic tracks like Silverstone, like Monza, and also like Monaco, and I think they should remain on the calendar.
Asked about the question, Leclerc then mentions a possible modification of the track, which he still considers unlikely. « I sometimes think about it, if it would greatly improve overtaking. I don’t know, maybe before the tunnel, you can go left and have a long straight line. But how feasible is it? »
« I don’t know, » adds the Monegasque, « of course, overtaking is difficult, but I think what we all love as drivers is the challenge, especially during qualifying to do this lap, just pushing. There is no track that comes close to the adrenaline rush we feel in Monaco, and for me, that is part of the history of F1 and it should remain in F1. »
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc will try this weekend to finish his first Monaco Grand Prix, after a series of bad luck and mistakes in front of his home crowd.
