Charles Leclerc, star of the press conference in Monaco!

This Wednesday, Charles Leclerc didn’t have a lot of meters to cover to reach the Grand Prix de Monaco press room, not far from the Rascasse corner. A genuine surprise of the first part of the season with 9 points on the scoreboard, including an impressive sixth place in Baku, the reigning Formula 2 champion arrives with a privileged status as a driver to watch. This is not without consequences: “there are a lot of emotions to manage,” recalls the Sauber driver in front of the assembled journalists. “I remember the first Grand Prix I watched on television here in Monaco, I was in the room of my parents’ friends. The day of my first race in Monaco is now arriving: I’ve been dreaming of it since I was a child.”

Third Monegasque driver in history to compete in the Monaco Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc does not have a specific goal leading up to the event. The member of the Ferrari Academy remains realistic.

To be honest, I am a bit confused about my expectations here. This track requires good grip and that is not yet our strong point. I just hope to achieve a good result.

The local of the event also reflected on his recent performance in Montmelo, finishing tenth after notably battling with Alonso and Pérez. But in the car, the feeling was quite different. Certainly a consequence of his change in driving style.

« I had a difficult weekend in Spain but still managed to score. We did not expect this type of performance at all: it was a very pleasant surprise. »

Earlier this morning, @Charles_Leclerc presented his helmet to Prince Albert II of Monaco. What an honour it must have been 😊 #F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/F7CjgF9Y1L

— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) 22 mai 2018

Compliments from the Greatest

To his left, Charles Leclerc could gaze upon eight world championship titles: Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton occupied two of the three remaining seats, with the last one coveted by Romain Grosjean.

For once, it’s the Sauber driver who caught the attention of his illustrious colleagues. Lewis Hamilton discovered that Charles Leclerc is from Monaco, a common point with the Brit who has been residing in the Principality for a few years. The championship leader gave a flattering speech about Charles Leclerc.

Formula 1 brings together the best of drivers. It’s really nice to see young people progressing like him. Our sport requires a lot of investment, both human and financial. I wish him the best. But he must keep his feet on the ground and rely on his family. Each experience will allow him to learn who he is!

The specified text “»” is not translatable.

For his part, Sebastian Vettel also praised the performances of someone who might one day join him as a Ferrari driver. « He has managed to score points with an average car and has done everything he needs to do so far. He has great years ahead of him. »

From our special correspondent in Monaco