Leclerc sets the fastest time after gearbox damage

The 23-year-old Ferrari driver drove the fastest lap of the day in the afternoon in 1:11,684 minutes; his Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz came second (+0,112). Only behind them were the top contenders for pole position: World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton (0,390) in the Mercedes and Max Verstappen (0,397) in the Red Bull.

With his best time, Leclerc not only once again indicated Scuderia Ferrari's upward trend. He also showed a strong reaction to his bad luck in the first training session, which ended for him after just eight minutes. Gearbox damage had cost him valuable preparation time. Praise from the competition “They are really strong, it is surprising that they have improved so much. But it’s also great,” emphasized record world champion Hamilton. The Briton was only seven thousandths ahead of the Dutchman Verstappen, who was not entirely satisfied. “I was hoping we would be faster,” explained the World Cup runner-up.

On Saturday it's all about the pole for the race on Sunday (15.00 p.m.), which is particularly important on the narrow street circuit. In the most recent eleven races, the driver from starting position one won eight times.

The second Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, was the fastest in the first training session, when many drivers had decided not to use the softest tire compound. In the second session, the Mexican came eighth (+1,024), just behind Pierre Gasly (0,814), the fastest AlphaTauri pilot.

Mick Schumacher shortened the session by around five minutes. The 22-year-old F1 newcomer hit the barriers with the right side of his Haas. The right rear wheel was demolished and the German had to park the car.

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Leclerc sets the fastest time after gearbox damage

Local hero Charles Leclerc showed the surprising fastest time in training for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco on Thursday.

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