Paul Pogba picks Charles Leclerc as his favorite for Monaco Grand Prix victory. Football star Paul Pogba visited the Monaco Grand Prix paddock .

The Monaco Grand Prix attracts celebrities from around the world every year, and this season was no exception. Among the high-profile guests spotted in the paddock on Thursday was French football star Paul Pogba, who took some time to interact with Formula 1 media ahead of the race weekend.

During a brief interview, Pogba was asked a straightforward question that many fans have been debating in the build-up to the event: who is his favorite to win this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix?

The former France international did not need much time to think about his answer.

“Charles!” he replied, immediately backing Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to come out on top on the streets of Monte Carlo.

Pogba’s choice is hardly surprising. Charles Leclerc arrives at his home race carrying significant expectations, with Ferrari hoping to capitalize on a circuit that appears better suited to the characteristics of the SF-26 than several of the venues visited earlier this season.

The narrow streets of Monaco place a premium on driver confidence, precision and low-speed performance rather than outright top speed. Those factors have often played to Charles Leclerc’s strengths, particularly around a circuit where local knowledge and commitment can make a decisive difference over a qualifying lap.

Ferrari has also entered the weekend with growing optimism. The unique layout of the Principality reduces the importance of some of the weaknesses that have affected the Scuderia elsewhere, while placing greater emphasis on traction and cornering performance.

For Charles Leclerc, racing in front of his home crowd always brings additional pressure but also extra motivation. After experiencing both memorable highs and frustrating setbacks in Monaco throughout his Formula 1 career, the Ferrari driver will be hoping to add another special chapter to his history at the iconic circuit.

Paul Pogba may have delivered his prediction in just one word, but it reflects the confidence many Ferrari supporters are feeling ahead of one of the most anticipated weekends of the Formula 1 season.