Charles Leclerc reckons Monaco is the right observe for Ferrari to shine, however nonetheless thinks Mercedes holds the sting this weekend after a dominant begin to Components 1 in 2026.
The Silver Arrows has gained all 5 grands prix this yr which leaves it with a 72-point benefit over second-placed Ferrari who’s a step forward of McLaren in third.
However this weekend may be the hardest problem but for Mercedes as a result of whereas it holds a horsepower benefit, it’s the low-speed corners the place Ferrari is robust.
So it’s extensively believed that the traits of the tight Monaco avenue circuit ought to give the Scuderia the sting, however Leclerc isn’t getting forward of himself for his residence race.
“No,” he stated, when requested if he agrees with the Ferrari favorite tag. “I feel we’re in a greater place. If there’s one observe I’ll guess on us, it is most likely Monaco.
“Nevertheless, I nonetheless imagine that Mercedes have had a major benefit for the reason that starting of the yr. So I feel they are going to be very, very robust. I feel McLaren will probably be very robust as properly. I feel Pink Bull will probably be very robust.
“Nevertheless it’s true that on the opposite tracks to date, we have been struggling fairly a bit within the straights, which must be much less of an issue and we now have , robust package deal chassis-wise and aero-wise.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Picture by: Alastair Staley / LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs
“So I feel it might assist us. However Mercedes, I feel, will nonetheless stay the staff to beat.”
One of many people to have positioned the favorite tag on Ferrari is McLaren driver Lando Norris, who claimed final outing in Canada that “their low-speed efficiency is much better”.
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The reigning world champion nonetheless holds some optimism for this weekend although having gained the Monaco Grand Prix final yr – however added that McLaren ought to stay third within the pecking order.
“Our run into this weekend final yr was most likely a little bit bit higher than we have had this yr,” stated Norris, who retired with a gearbox drawback in Montreal.
“So possibly not fairly to the extent it was final season. However I feel we’re optimistic. We nonetheless wish to are available in with hopes of attempting to attain a pole and attempting to attain a win – that is nonetheless the targets we wish to set ourselves.
“However Ferrari and Mercedes have clearly been very robust, Mercedes much more so. So we’re not getting forward of ourselves, we do not wish to be too optimistic.
“However on the similar time, we wish to come into weekends on the minute. I feel we have given ourselves the prospect to return into weekends with the idea that it is attainable, and that is the best way we wish to keep for now.”
Images from Monaco GP – Thursday
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