Leclerc looks back at famous Monza win: "The best day of my life, without a doubt"
F1 News
- GPblog.com
In his first season at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc had a lot of highlights, but the Monegasque said his victory in Ferrari's home race at Monza was not only the best moment of his season, but of his whole life.
Ferrari had not been able to win in its own backgarden since 2010, when Fernando Alonso managed to take the checkered flag in scarlet red. Sebastian Vettel, for example, has never won it for Ferrari.
After taking pole position and with Vettel driving a nightmare of a Grand Prix from the start, Leclerc had to keep both Mercedes cars behind him by himself. The 22-year-old driver had Valtteri Bottas in his mirrors for almost the entire race, and Lewis Hamilton also tried to find a way past the talent several times in the latter stages.
“It was the best day of my life, without a doubt," Leclerc remembered his second career win on the Formula 1's Instagram Live.
“It was very, very special – so many people cheering for one team, the team I’m in – and such a special team, which is Ferrari…
“The whole week was building up to that moment, and to finally win this race was crazy. [When I was] on the podium there were hundreds of thousands of people and 99% were wearing red… and they started singing the national anthem. It was a very special moment.”
The Tifosi have now embraced Leclerc as their new favourite. Even though he's a Monegasque, he does speak fluent Italian, and the fans are very excited about what the coming years will bring. Leclerc will remain with Ferrari until 2024 after signing a big extension last year.