Charles Leclerc has secured a significant victory at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, marking a triumphant return to Monza for Ferrari .
This win not only adds to his accolades but also strengthens his connection with fans who have supported him throughout his career.
"It is an incredible feeling," said Leclerc , his voice charged with emotion.
"I thought the second time, if there was a second time, would not feel as special as the first, but the emotions over the last few laps were the same as 2019 [when I first won the Italian Grand Prix]."
His message resonated with fans worldwide, as he expressed his determination to win both Monza and Monaco annually: "I want to win Monza and Monaco every year and I have managed to do so. It is so, so special."
Leclerc's win was a culmination of strategic racing and quick decision-making in a race filled with challenges. Starting from pole position, he faced fierce competition, particularly from McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The race took a dramatic turn early on when George Russell encountered trouble, allowing Leclerc to capitalize and move into a strong position.
Throughout the race, penalties and collisions added unpredictability. Notably, Daniel Ricciardo faced penalties for contact with Nico Hulkenberg, while Hulkenberg himself was penalized for an incident with Yuki Tsunoda, who ultimately had to retire from the race.
Pit strategies played a crucial role as teams adjusted their plans based on tire wear and race dynamics. As the race progressed, Leclerc's calm driving and Ferrari's strategic adjustments allowed him to take the lead, with Piastri and Norris trailing behind.
Despite the victory, Leclerc remains cautious about Ferrari's consistency moving forward. He acknowledged the need for continued improvement and expressed optimism for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a track he enjoys.
"I don't know," he admitted when pondering the consistency of Ferrari's performance for the remainder of the season.
"Our package was working well on a track like Monza but whether it will be the same for the rest of the season I doubt.
"I still think McLaren are favourites but we have done a step forwards, that's for sure," he noted. Looking ahead, Leclerc expressed hope for future races, particularly the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. "Baku is a pretty nice track for me, so maybe we can achieve something special there."
The results of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix are as follows:
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Lando Norris (Fastest Lap)
4. Carlos Sainz
5. Lewis Hamilton
6. Max Verstappen
7. George Russell
8. Sergio Perez
9. Alex Albon
10. Kevin Magnussen
11. Fernando Alonso
12. Franco Colapinto
13. Daniel Ricciardo
14. Esteban Ocon
15. Pierre Gasly
16. Valtteri Bottas
17. Nico Hulkenberg
18. Zhou Guanyu
19. Lance Stroll
20. Yuki Tsunoda (DNF)
Leclerc's performance at Monza signals a potential resurgence for Ferrari, while McLaren continues to show strong form. Red Bull, on the other hand, is facing challenges, with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finishing outside the top five.
Local News
Comments / 0