Monaco Grand Prix – Sauber’s Charles Leclerc races on the streets of his hometown this weekend.
Sauber driver Charles Leclerc, one of the stars of the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, is from Monte Carlo and races on the streets of his hometown for the first time this weekend.
He says there ‘are a lot of emotions’ ahead of the weekend. He becomes the first Monegasque driver since Louis Chiron, back in 1955, to take part in a home race on the streets. Monaco was also the scene of close friend Jules Bianchi’s sole points finish in Formula 1, back in 2014 – Bianchi, along with Leclerc, being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. With Leclerc now following in his friend’s footsteps, the 20 year old says he will get a ‘different perspective’ of his hometown after this weekend.
“I have dreamt of being part of this event ever since I was a child and it is incredible for this dream to finally come true. It will be nice to have my friends and family there to support me, and I look forward to sharing this special moment with the Monegasque people.”
“Driving on city circuits is something I always enjoy, and I love the challenge that it brings to me as a driver. Although I know the city well, it will be a completely new experience for me to drive on the streets of Monte Carlo in a Formula 1 car. I look forward to gaining a different perspective on my home town. It will be an unforgettable weekend for me, and I can’t wait for it to start.”
Leclerc has scored points at the last two Grands Prix, and enjoyed a long battle with Fernando Alonso last time out in Spain. He says he learned ‘twice as much’ from racing with the two time World Champion. He has scored nine points, and is seven clear of teammate Marcus Ericsson.
