Charles Leclerc admits he is «not convinced» that Ferrari’s pace for the Monaco Grand Prix will last throughout the weekend having topped both sessions on Friday.
The home hero enjoyed his best day for the Scuderia this season on the streets of Monte Carlo, a place where he claimed victory 12 months ago and has taken pole position on three occasions previously.
Ahead of this weekend, Leclerc had downplayed his and Ferrari’s chances after a difficult start to the 2025 campaign which has yielded only one podium in seven Grands Prix.
But after finishing top in both of Friday’s practice sessions, he was asked whether he was still convinced it would not be a strong weekend.
Leclerc insists ‘it’s too early’ to get carried away after he topped both Friday practice sessions in Monaco
«Maybe a bit less convinced but yeah, I’m not convinced the other way either,» he said.
«A Friday in Monaco is always very special, very specific, I think everybody is taking a bit their reference. It is too early to feel very positive about the weekend.
«But let’s say the Friday has been very positive for us, I’ve been feeling pretty good with the car. It hasn’t started the way I wanted with the crash with Lance but after that it has been pretty smooth and I’m happy overall with the car.»
READ MORE: Stroll hit with grid penalty after Leclerc clash in opening Monaco GP practice
The only blemish for Leclerc came in the opening 10 minutes of FP1, when he collided with the back of Lance Stroll, who had moved his Aston Martin back onto the racing line heading into the Loews Hairpin.
Leclerc pitted for a new front wing while Stroll, who was handed a one-place grid penalty for the incident, had the rear wishbone and gearbox replaced on his car.
Team mate Lewis Hamilton made it a strong day for Ferrari, the seven-time World Champion finishing a tenth behind Leclerc during FP2 in third after taking the ninth best time in FP1.
He said: «It went smoothly, FP1 was still a bit of a challenge with traffic and everything, FP2 was much, much better. I have a little bit of time to find, Charles was still very quick but otherwise, a good session.»
‘It’s the best roller coaster ride of the year’ – Hamilton buzzing after P3 in Monaco practice
Hamilton claimed his best result in a Grand Prix for Ferrari last time out at Imola with fourth, which was in stark contrast to Qualifying where both he and Leclerc failed to reach Q3.
In order to avoid a repeat, Hamilton believes there is still more to come from himself ahead of one of the most important Qualifying sessions of the season.
«There is more to find in my driving, in lines, in my braking. I got one tenth for example just in Turn 1,» said Hamilton.
«So there are bits here and there, just throughout the lap. But the car, there are subtle changes we need to make but I will not be making many changes at all.»
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