Formula 1 is a fast-paced world and it’s time to leave behind Monte Carlo and the great victory achieved by Charles Leclerc and Ferrari in the Monaco Grand Prix, and to set aside for a moment the important technical rules that will be introduced in 2026, to stay current and talk about the Montreal Grand Prix. “We celebrated on Sunday with the whole team because winning meant a lot to me but also to the team. But from Monday we turned the page, put the good things aside, and immediately focused on the next race,” said Charles Leclerc during media day in the Canadian paddock, on the eve of the first day of free practice.
At the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, a very determined and focused Charles Leclerc appeared, still happy from the ‘high’ of success at home in Monte Carlo, but with the right mindset to move forward and focus on what needs to be done. “It was an important victory, but as a driver, I have to try to be as unemotional as possible. Not to get depressed in difficult moments and not to get excited in good ones, as it was in Monaco.” The Monegasque reiterated how in Formula 1 one is often judged on the performance of the last race. ‘As good as the last race’ as they say, and for this reason, there is now a positive atmosphere around Ferrari and especially around the Monegasque, but we must remain grounded. It is with this thought that Charles Leclerc responds to questions about the championship, “It’s early and I don’t think about it. I think Red Bull still has something more than the others and they will come back strong. We must take advantage of opportunities and do our best,” a concept not very different from what Frederic Vasseur recently expressed, who praised Ferrari for becoming better at seizing opportunities.
“We are the team that has improved the most in the last 7-8 months and the results we are getting are the result of the hard work that has been done up to this point. However, we must continue to improve and be in the fight for victory every weekend.” Charles Leclerc’s determination is clear, as is the goal for this ninth round of the championship, “It can be a positive weekend, we must be ready to seize opportunities.”- he pointed out.
Ferrari is seen by competitors, particularly Helmut Marko, as the favorite for this Canadian round. Among the reasons that push to put the Red very high is the important ability of the SF-24 to absorb the roughness of the track – even if the track has been resurfaced and the road surface is smoother – but especially the curbs, a very important factor on this track. “It has always been, even in the past, one of our strengths. With this car, we have greatly improved drivability and consistency, keeping strong points like the curbs,” explained Charles Leclerc, answering some questions about the characteristics of the circuit and how his SF-24 might adapt to the track. “I don’t expect to see gaps of 20 seconds here, there’s also a weather uncertainty. We have to try to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Specifically, Charles Leclerc thinks that the last three rounds – Imola, Monaco, and Canada – do not particularly highlight the qualities of the RB20 and this has further compacted the group as seen with a close three-way fight between Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren. “From Spain, I think we will see a very strong Red Bull again,” affirmed the Monegasque driver. However, there is confidence in the team in their potential after Imola and also while waiting for the new updates, currently expected for Silverstone, “The weekend can be positive for us. We need to optimize our potential and do our best while waiting for the updates that could also put us ahead of Red Bull in the future.” – the Monegasque driver concluded.
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