Italian Grand Prix - Leclerc: “We will need a perfect weekend in Monza”

Charles Leclerc met the media at Scuderia Ferrari HP’s hospitality at the start of the Italian Grand Prix weekend. The Monegasque driver said he is aware that the Monza circuit could prove a demanding challenge for the SF-26, but he is also confident that he can be a contender in front of the home fans. “We know it won’t be easy here because, theoretically, this isn’t an ideal track for our car, but we are counting on being able to get the best out of it,” Charles explained.

A step forward. The power unit upgrade planned as part of ADUO will make its debut in Monza, together with other new developments on the SF-26. “I can’t wait to try the car on track,” he admitted. “It’s not just the new engine, but also a few other updates which I hope can help us here. Obviously, we mustn’t think only about the upgrades because, in order to win, we’ll also need a perfect weekend in terms of execution. We know where and how we can improve, and we are determined to do so.” Leclerc highlighted the step forward seen this year in the team’s ability to develop and innovate, which he believes is the result of the work carried out in Maranello, and reiterated his support for the project: “I’m convinced that the work we are doing will pay off.”

The abilities of the team. Charles reckons the fight for the World Championship is still on. “I’ll believe in it as long as it is mathematically possible because I know the abilities of our team and all the work we have done together,” he said, while stressing that his approach remains to focus on one race at a time, looking to get the most out of the package every time.

Memories. Speaking about Monza itself, Leclerc recalled the sight of the fans on their feet in the grandstands for the closing laps in 2019 when he won and explained how the energy of the crowd makes the Italian Grand Prix weekend unlike any other. Having also won in 2024, Charles makes no secret of his desire to give the Ferrari fans another memorable day: “A victory at Monza,” he explained, “would make all the hard work of a week when everything goes up a level, worthwhile.”