Leclerc triumphs in emotional Monaco Grand Prix
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
Tears flow as local hero Charles Leclerc secures memorable victory.
MONTE CARLO, Monaco -- Charles Leclerc experienced a wave of deep emotions as he crossed the finish line to win the Monaco Grand Prix, ending a streak of disappointments on his home track. The Monte Carlo native, who had started from pole position twice before without securing victory, finally clinched the win he had long dreamt of.
Leclerc led the race from start to finish, beating McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz to the checkered flag. Addressing the media after the race, an emotional Leclerc dedicated the victory to his late father, Hervé, who passed away in 2017 before seeing his son race in Formula One.
"No words can explain that ... it's such a difficult race," Leclerc remarked. "The fact starting twice on pole and couldn't make it, makes it even better. It means a lot. It's the race that made me dream of becoming a Formula One driver.
"It was a difficult race emotionally, 15 laps from the end I was hoping nothing happens, already the emotions were coming. I was thinking to my dad ... obviously he had given everything for me to be here, it was a dream of ours to race here and win, it's unbelievable."
Leclerc's thoughts were also with his godfather, Jules Bianchi, who died in 2015 from injuries sustained at the Japanese Grand Prix. Bianchi's endorsement led Leclerc into Ferrari's junior program, ultimately paving the way for his ascent to the main team in 2019.
Reflecting on the final laps of the race, Leclerc described the challenge of keeping his emotions in check.
"I think where I struggled the most to contain my emotions was during the last 10 laps of the race, more than on the podium," he admitted. "I realised actually two laps to the end that I was struggling to see out of the tunnel just because I had tears in my eyes, and I was like 'f--- Charles, you cannot do that now, you still have two laps to finish,' especially on a track like Monaco, you have to be on it all the way to the end.
"It was very difficult to contain those emotions, those thoughts again of the people that have helped me get to where I am today. It's only a win. The season is still very, very long. It's 25 points like any other win. However, emotionally, this one means so much. And I think the fact as well that we've started twice from pole position in the past and that we couldn't manage to get the win for one reason or another, that we couldn't really control, not in our control, makes this one even more so special."
Specifically addressing his father's impact, Leclerc shared, "It was very much in my mind, as I said. I think in every race I have done, there has not been one single race where I was thinking about this kind of personal stuff inside the car, because you've got to stay on it.
"Maybe Baku in 2017, obviously everything was still very fresh for me, so it was difficult to manage mentally. However it's probably the first time in my career that it happened again while driving, when you've got these flashbacks of all these moments that we have spent together, all the sacrifices that he has done for me to get to where I am.
"As I said earlier, it's not only my dream, but it was both of our dreams to get there. Obviously my whole family was supporting and obviously dreaming of that moment, which makes it even more special. That was again as I said earlier probably the moment that makes it the most difficult to manage today."
Leclerc's victory in Monaco not only marks a pivotal moment in his career but also stands as a heartfelt tribute to those who have supported his journey, making this win more special than any other.
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