Charles Leclerc happy with pole position, but “we shouldn’t get carried away”

Charles Leclerc, the local hero of Scuderia Ferrari, grabbed the pole position at the legendary Monaco circuit. With a strong performance throughout the weekend, the Monegasque driver saved the best for last.

« The feeling after a qualifying run is always very special here. Really, really happy with the lap. The excitement is so strong that it really feels good », said the Ferrari driver in a post-qualifying interview. « However, I know that often in the past, qualifying doesn’t mean everything. As much as it helps a lot for the Sunday race, we still need to put everything in place for Sunday. And in recent years, we haven’t managed to do that », he tempered.

About Sunday, the Monegasque declared to need a good start. And then, once we do that, I hope that Carlos (3rd, Editor’s note) will be able to have an excellent start and follow me into the first turn and that we will be 1-2. And if we are 1-2, then we can manage it as a team. That would be the perfect scenario. But whatever happens, we just have to bring this victory home, he emphasized.

During the press conference that followed the qualifications, Leclerc did not hide his joy. “It’s as good as the first time,” he said with a radiant smile. “In Monaco, the emotions you feel, the tension before getting into the car are much stronger than anywhere else on the calendar. So yes, once you finish the lap and hear that you are on pole position, it’s always a very special feeling.”

However, despite this euphoria, Leclerc stays grounded. Having already experienced the disappointment of starting in pole position without turning it into a victory, he is well aware of the challenges ahead. Maybe in the past, emotions lasted longer, but now, after starting twice in pole position and failing to win the race, which is ultimately what matters the most, that’s where my mind is at the moment, just trying to prepare myself and do everything possible.

The weekend was not without difficulties for Leclerc. After a free practice 3 session (FP3) disrupted by an engine problem requiring a last-minute change, the Monegasque driver managed to overcome the obstacles. “Fortunately for me, there were no consequences for my weekend,” he emphasized, highlighting the resilience and ability of his team to manage the unexpected.

An unlucky incident in Q1

During the qualifying session, an incident in Q1 almost compromised his chances. A sponsor sticker stuck to the front wing slowed Leclerc down, but he quickly corrected the situation. « In Monaco qualifying, you just want to be out there and do normal laps, so I was just praying that there wouldn’t be any yellow or red flags after that. Luckily for me, everything was fine. »

The progress of Leclerc during the various qualifying sessions was marked by constant adjustments. In Q2, we struggled a bit more with the balance of the car. I couldn’t find the right feeling. But then in Q3, we made some adjustments… and there I found the rhythm again, so I was a little happier in Q3.

Leclerc also compared the performance of his current Ferrari to that of the previous year, noting an improvement despite less fluid qualifications. « In 2022, I couldn’t complete the lap in Q3… I think the car was in a better position at the time, because it was a very smooth qualification. But that doesn’t mean I’m not happy with the lap. »

In view of tomorrow’s race, Leclerc adopts a pragmatic approach. « We just try to approach each race in the same way… the position on the track is very important, and we will try to maximize our race and to take this victory. » Aware of the challenges that the start presents, he remains confident: « I have not often seen people lose position at turn 1, so I suppose it’s a very short distance to turn 1. But you should never say never. »