"We know what needs to be improved on the car": Charles Leclerc turns on the ignition before the 82nd Monaco Grand Prix

It's a well-established tradition. Ever since he's been on the edge of his seat on the F1 planet, before each Grand Prix at home, Charles Leclerc has been answering questions from representatives of the Monegasque and regional media. In recent years, after the Covid-19 crisis, the meeting took place via videoconference, with everyone at home behind their screens. This Wednesday, the meeting was scheduled for a terrace overlooking the paddock, Quai Antoine-Ier, where the little prince, who finally became a prophet in his own country last year, spoke for 30 minutes. It was an opportunity to look back on this long-awaited day of glory, but also to discuss a start to the 2025 season that hasn't quite lived up to expectations in the ranks of Scuderia Ferrari...

Charles, for the first time, you're approaching the Monaco Grand Prix as the title holder. What difference does that make?

Not much, to be honest. I don't feel particularly relieved, freed from a burden. The only difference will probably concern the media day (this Thursday, editor's note) . Usually, here, before starting, people would talk to me a lot about previous editions, missed opportunities, pole positions not converted into victories. Now, I think I'll have a slightly more positive Thursday on this subject (he smiles) .

If you were asked to delve into your memories of May 26, 2024, what highlight spontaneously resurfaced?

The image that immediately comes to mind is precisely that of our dive into the port with Fred (Frédéric Vasseur, the French boss of Scuderia Ferrari) . A rather funny moment. Imagine that we had talked about this between us since my first season (2018, at Sauber, the team then managed by Vasseur) . We were supposed to make a splash in the port if I scored my first points in Monaco. Well, we stayed dry (retirement on the 70th lap after a collision caused by a failure of his brakes) . We had to wait a few years...

After seven Grands Prix, you sit fifth in the drivers' championship with 61 points and just one podium finish. That's already 85 points behind current leader Oscar Piastri. How do you feel about the start of the season?

The results so far are clearly bad. There's no point in hiding our heads in the sand. We're not at all satisfied with the car's performance. Last year, Ferrari fought to the bitter end for the constructors' title (2nd behind McLaren) . Here, at the start, we were aiming for the same target. Unfortunately, we quickly had to face the facts. The car isn't up to scratch. But our motivation remains intact. We're working hard to try to recover the performance lost compared to McLaren and Red Bull. Optimizing the SF-25 with the aim of competing for victory again soon is our duty. We know what needs to be improved on the car. But I can't tell you how long this work will take.

Ferrari is struggling especially in qualifying mode, as demonstrated by the double elimination in Q2 at Imola. How are you experiencing this situation?

I won't hide from you that it's complicated. Qualifying and race! Getting a 3rd, 4th, 5th place after giving your all and executing everything well, it generates frustration. Normal. In 2024, we could have won. And now, no. But that's part of the job. Some years, everything goes well from the start. And the following season, you have to roll up your sleeves, rack your brains to get back on track. You have to accept it and redouble your efforts.

A podium this Sunday, is that possible?

You know, I only want to think about victory. A podium doesn't appeal to me. But I'm realistic. The car doesn't like slow corners. In Monaco, that's all there is. So I'm expecting a difficult weekend. But this unusual, unique circuit can also hold some surprises. Maybe we'll find something great. Who knows? I really hope so.

What have you learned in recent months alongside your new teammate, the seven-time world champion?

Lewis (Hamilton) has a great work ethic. Carlos (Sainz) also worked a lot, but in a different way. It's really interesting to see how Lewis handles problems, to watch his exchanges with the engineers, to listen to his comments, his development ideas for the car. And then, since he's extremely talented, I observe his driving, of course. This makes me realize that we have things in common. For example, he and I push hard on corner entry. Similar style, quite aggressive. And I think it's a win-win for the team because we've defined a clear direction together. Regarding the overall evolution of the car, we're pulling in the same direction.

Given the ground lost in the spring, have you revised your ambitions? What could a positive 2025 season look like now?

Uh, I haven't thought about it too much! (Laughs) . It's impossible to talk about a good season for me if we finish 3rd or 4th. Quite honestly, I still believe in it. And I'll believe in it until the end. Last year, Red Bull started like a rocket and then McLaren came back very strongly. Us too. From Barcelona (next week) , where a change in the regulations on flexible front wings will come into force, I hope we'll make progress.

A word about Oscar Piastri: are you surprised to see him pushing Lando Norris around like this?

Not necessarily... He surprised me during his first season at McLaren. Very solid, ultra-consistent, for a rookie. Now, I think Oscar has had a turning point in terms of understanding the tires. Today, he deserves his place as leader. Impeccable. Impressive, yes. But be careful: if Lando seems a little less comfortable with his car at the moment, he's still a super-fast driver. There's only a 13-point gap. It's close between them and it will remain so until the last GP, no doubt.

Finally, a quiz question: what is the name of the only driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix two years in a row driving a Ferrari?

Ouch! (He thinks) Come on, I'd say Michael (Schumacher) . Oh no?! Was that way before? (Another silence) Niki Lauda (1) ! (He laughs because he read the answer on the lips of the kind colleague sitting right in front of him) .

1. In 1975 and 1976.