Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc feels that the Monaco Grand Prix deserves a place on the Formula 1 calendar even in the modern era and dropping the historic race would be a “bad move”, as Formula 1 owner Liberty Media is evaluating how to grow the sport and Monaco is one of several races said to be under threat, along with equally historic Belgium.
The famous race around the streets of Monte Carlo has long been a part of the Formula 1 calendar, hosting the second-ever world championship grand prix in 1950. This Sunday marks the 68th time Monaco has hosted a round of the Formula 1 world championship as well as the 79th edition of the grand prix.
But given the increased demand for many other locations to host grands prix with multiple new additions to the calendar having been confirmed in the last few seasons, rumours regarding the future of the Monaco Grand Prix as a part of the schedule has increased, as some have questioned the event’s safety, lack of passing opportunities and overall on-track excitement.
Yet Charles Leclerc, the third driver from the principality to race in Formula 1, feels that this special event and the difficulties and challenge posed by the tight, twisting street circuit – especially in qualifying – justifies its place on the current Formula One calendar.
“I really think that Monaco is one of the best race tracks out there. In terms of qualifying, there’s no place where I enjoy as much as I do here and as much as the driver can make a difference because the rails are so close. The danger, you can still feel it because you’ve really got the sensation of speed. And in terms of qualifying, I think it is probably the most exciting qualifying of the year. I agree that in the races that there might be some things that we could change here and there to try and help the overtaking because cars have changed, evolved and it might not be the best track to overtake, but in terms of challenge for the driver it is one of the toughest challenges for us throughout the year. I think a track like this should stay on the calendar.” – Charles Leclerc explained, ahead of the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.
The Ferrari driver confirmed that he also has thought about how the Monaco track could be changed in order to give drivers more opportunities for attempting passes, for example by re-routing the course at Portier to make the straight leading into the tunnel and along the harbour longer than it currently is.
“I’ve thought about it sometimes. Whether it would improve a lot overtaking, I don’t know. Maybe before the tunnel you can go to the left and do a big straight there. But how feasible it is, I’m not sure. Of course overtaking is difficult, but I think what we all love as drivers is the challenge. Especially in qualifying to do that lap, just pushing – there’s no track that comes close to the adrenaline we get in Monaco. For me, it’s part of F1’s history and should stay in Formula 1.” – the Monegasque driver added.
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For the first time since joining Scuderia Ferrari, Charles Leclerc arrives at the race in front of his home fans as a real title contender, despite losing first place in the Formula 1 Driver Standings after the unfortunate outcome of the Spanish Grand Prix. When asked if he felt more pressure than usual this year, the Ferrari driver explained that the situation was no different to his three previous events on the streets of Monte Carlo:
“I honestly don’t feel the pressure,” he said. “I’m just really happy to be here, to be back on this amazing track. I love it here. Obviously it’s a very special event for me, having grown up here with these roads that I know so well since being born. So no, there’s no added pressure. I know that the performance is in the car for us to do a great result this weekend and I just have to get into the car, do the job and hopefully the results will be there at the end of the weekend.” – Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc concluded.
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