It would be too hard for the fans to forget Charles Leclerc‘s home-race win in Monaco. What a historic moment! Leclerc became the only Monegasque to win the Monaco GP, thus, affiliating his ‘Prince of Monaco’ tag. This race was special for the entire city of Monte Carlo. After all, their homeboy brought the elite trophy home. A series of celebrations and good wishes followed Leclerc after the race and amongst the ones sending the good luck was Daniel Ricciardo as well.

Ricciardo himself didn’t have a glorious Monaco GP this year. Unlike 2018 where he won the race, 2024 was a big disappointment. Finishing P12, the Aussie had once again missed out on securing points. With the uncertainties of the future looming over him, the 35-year-old sent an optimistic message to Charles.

Ricciardo revealed that he had texted Leclerc right after the Qualifying and he hoped the Monegasque would win his home race. And guess what happened? Charles Leclerc won the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix. Right after the race, Ricciardo texted him again, congratulating him on his achievement. The Aussie’s message to Charles after his win: “I’m very happy for you. You finally did it.”

It was Leclerc’s home race and meant a lot more to him than he expressed. Ricciardo’s sweet gesture toward the homeboy is proof of the camaraderie that prevails in F1 amidst the intense competition. But, did Daniel Ricciardo feel threatened by the Ferrari driver’s celebration? Calling Charles Leclerc’s celebratory dive an “Olympic Dive”, the veteran stated he was “Leclerc before Leclerc.”

Charles Leclerc recreated Daniel Ricciardo’s famous celebration after winning the Monaco GP, six years later

Remember when Daniel Ricciardo won the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix? The then-Red Bull driver’s iconic race was followed by an equally iconic celebration. His signature Shoey followed by a dive into the swimming pool. Not just Ricciardo, team principal Christian Horner also joined in. Now, that’s what you call a celebration. That moment will always be etched in the hearts and minds of F1 fans.

Following a similar pattern of celebration, Charles Leclerc also dived into the water. No, he did not jump into a swimming pool, instead, he went headfirst into Port Hercules. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur followed right after. Leclerc’s win was no less than a Hollywood script. The right amount of thrill was backed by an extremely emotional history. This win was a long time coming. And Charles’ satisfaction standing on the highest pedestal, told everything.

Monaco, the home of some of the most iconic and historic moments of F1, continues to hold a special place amongst fans and drivers. A classic circuit with thin lanes poses challenges like no other. But drivers like Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo have emerged victorious, thanks to their outstanding skills.

Coming back to the present, Ricciardo’s heartfelt message to the Ferrari driver before and after the race highlights how, beyond the fierce competition, genuine sportsmanship and mutual respect shine through, creating moments that transcend the race itself.

On the other hand, could Leclerc’s Ricciardo-inspired celebration be a way of expressing gratitude to the Aussie for his support? What do you think?