The Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend brings a surge of motivation for Ferrari, but Charles Leclerc, their star driver, has admitted they are not yet ready to claim a home victory. Leclerc, who last won at Monza in 2019, acknowledges the team’s historic success at the track and the immense pressure to perform well, especially with the passionate Italian fans. However, he emphasizes that their current focus is on delivering a strong performance, rather than expecting a win.
Leclerc highlights the team’s recent struggles with pace, referencing their performance at Zandvoort. While acknowledging improvements in Spa and expecting a similar performance at Monza, he believes a podium finish is a more realistic goal. He states that the team is still working to find the pace needed for a victory.
The Monza track has undergone significant changes this year, with a complete resurfacing and new kerbs installed. While some drivers, like Daniel Ricciardo, feel the track has lost some of its character, Leclerc remains cautious about judging the changes until he experiences them firsthand.
Despite the challenges, Leclerc and Ferrari will be determined to deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd. The team’s history at Monza, coupled with their recent improvements, gives them a foundation to build upon as they aim to reclaim their place at the front of the grid.