Leclerc admits Monaco defeat rooted in missed pole

Charles Leclerc blamed his qualifying performance on Saturday for his failure to win the Monaco Grand Prix in front of a fervent home crowd.

After winning at his home Grand Prix the previous year, the Monegasque was determined to make it two in a row at the Principality.

Ferrari have taken a step back compared to their relative performance in 2024, but Leclerc nonetheless managed to place his SF-25 on the front row alongside Lando Norris' McLaren.

However, the streets of Monaco are difficult to overtake on, and despite mounting piling pressure on Norris at the start and end of the 78-lap event, Leclerc could only manage second behind Norris, who converted pole position into victory.

"We lost the race yesterday"

Considering that Ferrari have far from the quickest package this year, behind the likes of McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes and even Williams on occasion, a podium finish was a great result for Leclerc and the Maranello-based outfit.

Despite this, Leclerc couldn't hide his disappointment at getting so close to another victory at home, but just falling short.

When asked if he was content with finishing in second, he said: "Not really, but at the end of the day we lost the race yesterday. We should have done a better job. Lando did a better job this weekend and he deserves the win.

"On my side, I realised a childhood dream last year, not this year, but considering everything I think it’s a lot above our expectations coming here. I thought that being in the top 10 would be a challenge. In the end we are second, very close to P1, so it’s been a good weekend overall – but I wish I won," lamented Leclerc.

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The Ferrari driver closed the gap to Norris in the closing stages of the Grand Prix, gaining DRS behind the McLaren with more than a handful of laps remaining. But making an overtake proved impossible around the tight and twisty street circuit.

On this, Leclerc added: "It was good as well from inside the car, because before that it was a little bit boring. I had to leave a gap to Lando because otherwise I would have overheated everything, so I couldn’t be so close.

"Then when I saw Max was playing the long game, I guess he was waiting for a red flag, and that helped me a little bit to put a bit more pressure on Lando, but it was not enough."

Thankful for Heartfelt Home Support

Speaking through obvious heartbreak, Leclerc expressed gratitude for his many fans in Monaco and beyond for their support.

He continued: "As I always say, as Ferrari drivers we are very lucky, we get support everywhere, but being born here and seeing all the Monegasque [people] behind me is something very special.

"We are not many Monegasques, but it warms my heart very much to be at home and have so much support. I wish I had given them the first place, but hopefully next year."

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