Charles Leclerc Relishes Feeling of Following in Footsteps of “Idol” Ayrton Senna’s Iconic Monaco GP Performances

This year marks the 30th anniversary since we lost the F1 legend Ayrton Senna in the accident in Imola. Remembering the late legend with the record of the most wins at Monaco, we talk about how Charles Leclerc finally puts him on the list of the drivers to win the iconic GP. Monaco is not an easy track to conquer as it’s all about precision and the Ferrari driver has finally mastered the formula.

This victory is a big win for both Leclerc and Ferrari as the team’s last win at the track was in 2017 with Sebastian Vettel behind the wheel. Being a home race for the Monegasque driver makes it all the more important for the team and knowing that now Leclerc is on the same list as Ayrton Senna, it just adds to the win.  After such a win, it’s only obvious that everyone wants to know what’s going through his mind, so let’s dive in.

Charles Leclerc: The Monaco Grand Prix winner

After an intense race and glorious celebrations came the press conference where the media interviewed the podium finishers, with a focus on Leclerc. This event is not only marked by him joining the ranks of Senna as a Monaco GP winner but also makes him the first Monegasque driver to win the home race in F1. Among the interviewers was Rodrigo França from Car Magazine, Brazil had something to ask Leclerc.

França started by saying, “Charles congratulations on your win. It’s a special win because it’s your home race, of course, but also a win of your idol Ayrton Senna, who has the record here.” Moving on to the main question he asked, “So how special is it to see your name besides Ayrton Senna’s name as a winner in Monaco?” It’s always a thing of pride to be put in the same category as Ayrton Senna for something, and Leclerc had quite a bit to say.

Charles Leclerc replied, “I mean, Ayrton has always been my idol and he was incredibly special in Monaco. And I think that probably the first time my father spoke to me about Ayrton, he told me to go and look this onboard of him driving around the streets of Monaco and I was like ‘oh my God, that’s crazy!’ And from that day onwards then obviously I knew more and more growing up, more and more about Ayrton, and that added to the fact that he was just becoming more and more my idol.”

Drawing back to Monaco, the 26-year-old driver explained the McLaren legend’s connection to Monaco, saying, “But the fact he was so special in Monaco was incredible to see. To win in Monaco now myself as well, is amazing.” In the age of ground-effect cars, it’s difficult to overtake on a track like Monaco. The narrow lanes and challenging turns are complicated to tackle in the long cars of the current era and Leclerc showed us just how to do it in style. But that did not come without difficulties.

Ferrari swaps out Charles Leclerc’s engine before the qualifiers

It was Free Practice 3 when Ferrari realized that there is something wrong with the power unit they put into the car at the Imola GP. There was an anomalous signal from an oil temperature sensor during Free Practice 3, which led the team to make the engine swap. To replace the engine in the car, the team went with their older power unit used in Miami. This put pressure on the team and the driver, as the qualifiers were next and probably the most important time of the Monaco weekend.

Luckily, during the Q1 of qualifying, Leclerc felt confident in the SF24 and ended up clearing the qualifiers to start at Pole position. With a pole in his hands, it was all about driving a smooth race and bringing the car to the finish line. Leclerc had no problem in doing so while he was followed by Oscar Piastri, who has been mighty quick in the last few races. Leclerc dealt with the engine change and won the iconic Grand Prix, giving a reason for his team and the whole principality to celebrate.

That being said, do you think Charles Leclerc has more wins in him this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.