Charles Leclerc’s recent performances have highlighted both his personal growth and the areas where Ferrari needs to improve to consistently challenge for victories. After his emotional win at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc has been candid about the team’s strengths and weaknesses, offering insights into where Ferrari must focus to enhance their competitiveness.
Leclerc’s victory in Monaco was a significant milestone, marking the first time a Monegasque driver won the event since 1931. The triumph was especially poignant for Leclerc, who had previously faced heartbreak at his home race due to various misfortunes. In the closing laps, he admitted to struggling with emotions, stating, “I realized actually two laps to the end that I was struggling to see out of the tunnel just because I had tears in my eyes” .
Despite this success, Leclerc remains focused on the broader picture. He acknowledges that while the Monaco win was special, it’s essential to maintain consistency throughout the season. “It’s only a win. The season is still very, very long. It’s 25 points like any other win,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement .
One area Leclerc has pinpointed for improvement is Ferrari’s performance in slow-speed corners. He noted that the team has been working on enhancing the car’s handling in such sections, which are prevalent in circuits like Monaco. “We have been struggling mostly with long, slow-speed corners… So that’s a good sign for us,” he mentioned, indicating optimism about recent developments .
Strategic decisions have also been a focal point. Leclerc has previously expressed frustration over pit stop strategies that cost him potential victories. However, he believes that Ferrari has made strides in this area, stating, “We are in a much better place and I’m confident this won’t happen again” .
Post-Monaco, Ferrari introduced upgrades aimed at boosting performance. While these changes showed promise in simulations, they led to unexpected issues like car bouncing on the track. Leclerc commented on this, saying, “From Spain onwards something changed… we discovered that the updates were causing the single-seater to bounce” .
The team has faced challenges in translating their improvements into consistent race results. Leclerc’s performance dipped in subsequent races, highlighting the need for Ferrari to address both technical and strategic aspects to maintain competitiveness. Former Ferrari boss Peter Windsor suggested that Leclerc’s intense focus on winning Monaco might have contributed to a temporary decline in form, describing it as a “Monaco-led hangover” .
Looking ahead, Leclerc remains optimistic about Ferrari’s trajectory. He believes that the team’s efforts in refining the car and strategy will pay dividends. “We are, I think, improving more than anybody else in the last seven, eight months,” he stated, underscoring his confidence in Ferrari’s direction .
In summary, while Charles Leclerc’s Monaco victory was a testament to his skill and determination, he and Ferrari recognize the need for ongoing development. By addressing issues in car performance, particularly in slow-speed corners, and refining race strategies, Ferrari aims to build on their successes and challenge consistently at the front of the grid.