Unseen Monza footage reveals Charles Leclerc’s incredible car control as Ferrari fans fear wasted potential
Charles Leclerc arrived at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix under immense pressure, tasked with defending his memorable 2024 victory at Monza. Ferrari’s build-up to the race had been turbulent, with the team still reeling from a nightmare weekend in Zandvoort where both cars retired. Leclerc was eliminated in a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, only a few laps after teammate Lewis Hamilton crashed out following a rare mistake. Against that backdrop, the Monegasque driver was determined to deliver a strong performance in front of the passionate Tifosi.
Qualifying showed signs of promise for Ferrari, with Leclerc putting together a competitive lap that was just two-tenths shy of pole position. Expectations were modest compared to the dominant pace of Red Bull and McLaren, but Ferrari knew that securing a strong result at their home race would be vital to rebuilding confidence. Leclerc ultimately delivered a consistent drive to finish fourth, but fresh unseen footage from the opening stages has now captured just how close he came to another disastrous retirement.
Unseen Monza footage showcases dramatic Charles Leclerc save
The newly surfaced video, which circulated across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), revealed a heart-stopping moment during the first laps. Exiting the high-speed Ascari chicane, Leclerc’s SF-25 snapped sideways in a sudden slide that threatened to end his race within minutes of the start. With lightning-fast reflexes, the Ferrari star wrestled the car back under control, straightened it out, and powered down the straight towards Parabolica. What looked like the beginning of another Monza heartbreak instead became an impressive demonstration of his extraordinary car control.
Although he lost ground after an early exchange with Oscar Piastri and eventually settled for fourth, many observers noted that Charles Leclerc’s ability to keep the Ferrari pointing in the right direction was as important as any overtaking maneuver. Former driver and commentator Martin Brundle praised Piastri’s move that sealed Leclerc’s position, but it was the unseen footage that later grabbed the headlines, sparking widespread debate about Leclerc’s driving skills and Ferrari’s inability to give him a consistently competitive car.
Ferrari fans react to Charles Leclerc’s Monza performance
The fan reaction to the video was immediate and intense. Many compared the save to famous moments of car control from other drivers, such as Max Verstappen’s dramatic Zandvoort slide earlier in the season. Some argued that Charles Leclerc’s catch was just as impressive, if not more so, given the circumstances. Others pointed out that the SF-25 looked almost undriveable in certain phases, with the rear end snapping unpredictably as if the Monegasque was fighting a rally car rather than a finely tuned Formula 1 machine.
Supporters expressed both admiration and frustration. On one hand, they praised Leclerc’s quick reactions, claiming he was fighting the Ferrari “like his life depended on it.” On the other hand, many lamented that his exceptional skills were being wasted by a car that lacked the stability and pace to challenge the front-runners. Several fans suggested that Ferrari’s shortcomings meant Charles Leclerc’s true potential as a future world champion was being stifled. The recurring sentiment was that such a level of talent deserved a more competitive platform than what the Scuderia is currently providing.
Monza’s gravel troubles add to the drama
Part of the challenge for drivers during the Italian Grand Prix weekend was the condition of the track surface itself. Loose gravel from the run-off areas at Ascari created unpredictable hazards across multiple sessions. During qualifying, small stones dragged onto the circuit by cars running wide forced delays and compromised laps. In the support races, including Formula 3, drivers were caught out by the unstable surface, with incidents leading to spins, safety cars, and red flags.
Even reigning champion Max Verstappen commented during practice that driving on the gravel-strewn sections felt like racing on ice. The FIA was forced to deploy red flags to allow marshals to conduct extensive track clean-ups, highlighting the scale of the issue. Against this backdrop, Leclerc’s ability to maintain control of his Ferrari at high speed through Ascari became even more impressive, underscoring both his skill and the precarious conditions of the weekend.
Charles Leclerc’s fight for recognition continues
While Ferrari celebrated a respectable points finish at their home race, the narrative emerging from Monza revolved around Leclerc’s resilience and the frustration of his fans. The unseen footage reminded many of just how much he contributes behind the wheel to compensate for the shortcomings of his machinery. For the Tifosi, the save was both a moment of pride and a painful reminder that their driver’s talent remains underutilized. With the team’s performance fluctuating and rivals like McLaren and Red Bull pulling ahead, the debate over whether Ferrari is wasting Charles Leclerc’s prime years in Formula 1 is only intensifying.
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