Although the Monaco Grand Prix is only the seventh stage on the Formula 1 calendar, this event promises to be one of the most important of the season.
Charles Leclerc, betrayed by the mechanics of his Ferrari when he led the peloton last week in Spain, will not only want to forget this unfortunate episode, but he also wants to redeem his misadventure in the streets of Monte-Carlo in 2021.
The Monegasque had achieved the leading position at the wheel of his single-seater, but his career ended badly in qualifying when he hit a protective rail.
” No no no… “
After the damage had been repaired the day before, Leclerc noticed that things were going wrong during his reconnaissance lap. For fear of seeing its driver penalized six places, Ferrari chose not to change the gearbox which had been affected during the impact.
At the exit of the tunnel, we heard Leclerc say on the radio waves: “No, no, no…” He had to forfeit.
Double hit
For the first time this season, Leclerc’s name does not sit at the top of the drivers’ standings before a GP. Winner in Barcelona last Sunday, Max Verstappen did a double blow by beating the Monegasque in the cumulative table.
The bad news for Leclerc is that the Dutchman had led the Monaco Grand Prix from start to finish in 2021 at the wheel of his Red Bull.
Even more dangerous?
This stopover in Monaco represents the extraordinary race of the calendar. Also the most prestigious. In its current form, the International Automobile Federation would never accept his candidacy.
The route is already considered dangerous for the proximity of its fences and its non-existent loopholes in many places. However, the new single-seater introduced this year is therefore likely to increase the level of concern.
The cars are not only wider, but the 18-inch wheels, which are much larger than in the past, affect the drivers’ visibility. Overtaking an opponent in the race has always been a risky adventure in Monaco. It will be more on Sunday.
The end of an era: the Monaco Grand Prix this year puts an end to this old tradition of presenting its first two free practice sessions on Thursdays. They will take place on Friday like everywhere else.