Team Radio: Charles Leclerc’s playful team radio exchange with new race engineer Bryan Bozzi in Monaco

After clinching victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc’s playful radio exchange with new race engineer Bryan Bozzi sheds light on Ferrari’s strategic approach to the race. Despite starting from pole position and maintaining control of the pace throughout the circuit’s winding streets, Charles Leclerc’s instructions to drive as slow as possible were not a sign of complacency but a calculated move to manage the race.

As the race unfolded, Charles Leclerc’s deliberate pace not only dictated the rhythm of the race but also played a strategic role in determining whether Ferrari’s rivals could opt for an in-race pit stop. With the decision of whether to pit or not dominating discussions, Leclerc and Ferrari assessed if any of the top contenders, including Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and George Russell, could make the pit stop without losing their position.

Ferrari’s goal was clear: to prevent their rivals, especially the two McLaren cars of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris from gaining an advantage through a well-timed pit stop, particularly given Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s pace post-stop.

Despite repeated instructions to slow down from the team to maintain the gap, Charles Leclerc engaged in a light-hearted conversation with his new race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, as they discussed the numbers. It was evident that amidst the banter, Charles Leclerc remained focused on securing his first-ever Monaco Grand Prix victory.

— see video above —