Formula 1 News: Charles Leclerc Secures Thrilling Victory at Monza, Ferrari’s Second Win of the Season

In a thrilling Italian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc drove a masterclass race to secure his second win of the season and Ferrari’s second victory this year. The Monegasque driver took the top step of the podium, followed by Oscar Piastri in second and Lando Norris in third.

The Race Recap

The race was filled with excitement and unpredictability, with Leclerc’s one-stop strategy proving to be the winning formula. The Ferrari driver started fifth on the grid but quickly gained positions, eventually overtaking Piastri and Norris to take the lead.

“I didn’t expect it going to the race,” Leclerc said in the post-race press conference. “I thought that we would struggle a bit more compared to the McLaren, but also compared to the Mercedes. However, after a few laps, I saw and I felt the car was in a good place.”

Piastri, who finished second, was left ruing his decision to pit for a second time.

“In hindsight, yes. But, you know, everyone’s a legend on Monday after the race or, you know, at the chequered flag,” the Australian driver said. “And today, unfortunately, we got it a bit wrong.”

Norris, who started on pole, finished third and acknowledged that Ferrari’s strategy was the right one.

“They had a better car today, especially Charles. He did a very good job, so just hats off to him,” the McLaren driver said.

Championship Implications

The win marks Leclerc’s seventh Formula 1 victory and his second at Monza. The result also sees Ferrari close the gap to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, with the Italian team now just eight points behind.

As the Formula 1 calendar heads to Baku next, Leclerc is cautious about his team’s chances.

“I don’t know because I think our package was working pretty well on a track like Monza. Whether it will be the same for the rest of the season I doubt, so I still think McLaren are the favourites,” he said.

However, with this win, Leclerc has proven that Ferrari is capable of challenging for victories. As the battled for the championship heats up, the Monegasque driver will be looking to carry this momentum into the next race.

🔗 Source