Charles Leclerc, the race winner, celebrated his victory on the podium alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco. On May 26, 2024, during the Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc triumphed in his home race, dispelling any belief in a supposed curse that had haunted him in previous Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix events.
After a long wait, Leclerc finally achieved his goal of standing on the top step in Monte Carlo. He successfully navigated two restarts and drove his Ferrari car to first place. This emotional triumph had eluded him both in 2021 and 2022, when he started from pole position.
In contrast to his recent success, Leclerc had experienced disappointments in his previous appearances at the Monaco Grand Prix. In 2018, he was forced to retire due to brake failure, and in 2019, his race was compromised by damage. These setbacks, combined with his failure to win during his dominant season in Formula 2 in 2017, led to speculation that he was destined to never fulfill his dream.
Despite the challenges and missed opportunities in the past, Leclerc expressed his disbelief in any curse. While acknowledging the difficulty he faced in the two previous occasions, he did not believe in theories of bad luck. He admitted it was frustrating to lose those potential victories, but emphasized that as a driver, the next opportunity to win is uncertain, especially in his home race in Monaco.
Leclerc highlighted the unique nature of the Monaco Grand Prix, describing it as a special and demanding track. He acknowledged the importance of mastering all aspects of the race weekend and recognized the significance of seizing the opportunity to win. With the memory of his previous experiences in mind, Leclerc approached the race with determination and a strong desire to claim victory.
Leclerc revealed that he was a little nervous before the race, but that internal feeling disappeared as soon as he put on his helmet and got into his SF-24.
“There’s a bit of tension. However, as I mentioned, as soon as I put on the helmet, as soon as I get into the car, I don’t feel anything anymore.
“So, it all comes down to maximizing the car’s performance, considering the tires, and contemplating all the factors I had to manage to have the best race possible.
“So, it’s more about the moments before the race and before putting on the helmet.”
Leclerc also denied that his recent success has resulted in a change of approach, stating that he intended to treat the Monaco GP the same way he approaches other races.
When asked if there was a change in his approach last weekend, Leclerc replied: “No, not at all. And I believe that the perception from the outside can sometimes change.
“But ultimately, what I try to do and what I actually do is maintain as much stability as possible.
“And whenever I enter a race weekend, I simply try to do the exact same things I did the previous weekend, learning from any mistakes.
“Of course, I am always striving to improve and become better. However, it’s always about adjustments and small tweaks in my approach.
“And I don’t believe it’s specific to Monaco compared to other races.
“There is a different approach in Free Practice because it is a street track, but overall, I don’t feel like I have done anything significantly different from the past.”
© 2024
A new era for football is about to begin, and fans are eager to see what is to come. With the arrival of new talents and the departure of experienced players, teams are preparing for an exciting season.
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This season promises to be exciting for football fans. With strong teams and talented players, the matches are expected to be intense. Fans are eager to see their teams on the field and cheer for great victories. It will be a year full of excitement and anticipation.