Charles Leclerc took pole position in Monaco. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

In Monaco: Charles Leclerc reaches for the stars

Will Charles Leclerc fulfill his dream of winning his home race on Sunday? In any case, the Ferrari star has secured the best starting position in Monaco and is reaching for triumph.

25 Maj 2024

From: dpa/det

Local hero Charles Leclerc has secured pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix. The Monegasse in the Ferrari confirmed his training performance in qualifying on Saturday and, as in 2021 and 2022, took first place on the grid in the Principality. Leclerc, who is hoping for his first home win, will start in the eighth race of the season on Sunday (15.00 p.m.) ahead of McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (+0,154 seconds) and Carlos Sainz (+0,248) in the second Ferrari.

World champion Max Verstappen (+0,297), who had to settle for sixth place on the grid in the Red Bull, experienced a bitter disappointment. In his last quick attempt, the Dutchman touched the barrier in the first corner. “This car is slippery,” complained Verstappen, who had recently been in first place on the grid eight times in a row. The triple champion therefore missed out on becoming the first driver to achieve nine pole positions in a row, or eight at the start of the season.

Charles Leclerc: Will he get his first win in Monaco? © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

For Ferrari it was the 250th pole position and for Leclerc the 24th of his career. “The feeling after the last qualifying round is always very special here. “I’m very happy,” said the Ferrari hopeful, who immediately put things into perspective. “Qualifying isn't everything, I have to put everything together tomorrow. I haven't been able to do that in recent years, but we are a stronger team now and can achieve great things tomorrow.”

No victory at home yet

Leclerc was born in the principality and still lives there. However, despite good starting positions, the 26-year-old has never been able to win in his home country; fourth and sixth places were his best results to date on the iconic street circuit on the Côte d'Azur.

In the World Cup standings, Verstappen, Monaco winner in 2021 and 2023, is clearly leading with 161 points, ahead of Leclerc (113) and Perez (107), who triumphed in the principality in 2022. McLaren driver Lando Norris (101) is 60 points behind.

Qualifying results

1. Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari 1:10,270 mins.
2. Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren +0,154 sec.
3. Carlos Sainz (ESP) Ferrari +0,248
4. Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren +0,272
5. George Russell (GBR) Mercedes +0,273
6. Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull Racing +0,297
7. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes +0,351
8. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) Racing Bulls +0,588
9. Alexander Albon (THA) Williams +0,678
10. Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine +1,041
11th (eliminated in Q2) Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine 1:11,285 mins.
12. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) Haas 1:11,440
13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Racing Bulls 1:11,482
14. Lance Stroll (CAN) Aston Martin 1:11,563
15. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas 1:11,725