Charles Leclerc Dominates Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix Practice
May 25, 2024 (Motorsport Images)
Home Hero Leclerc Leads the Way
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari surged to the top of the standings during Friday’s practice sessions at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, with Leclerc leading the way in FP2. Meanwhile, defending world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull struggled to find pace throughout the day.
Red Bull Battles with Setup
Although the Red Bull team showed a clear advantage in long-run averages, they have yet to find the ideal setup to challenge Leclerc, whose pace suggests he may dominate in qualifying. Additionally, Mercedes and Aston Martin impressed during Friday’s session, with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also vying for top honors. Meanwhile, McLaren is still searching for its rhythm after completing alternative run plans.
FP1 and FP2 Sessions
In the opening FP1 session, drivers focused on building confidence on the notoriously challenging Monaco track. As the times dropped, Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes led the way with a best time of 1m12.169s.
In FP2, Leclerc took charge, his early medium-tyre pace proving nearly a second quicker than his competitors. When switching to soft tyres, not only did he improve his time but Verstappen failed to better Leclerc’s previous personal best on harder compounds.
Key Factors for Success
Racing Events like Monaco typically favor a more aggressive driving style, but here, maintaining tyres and navigating the challenging kerbs will be key factors for success. In the qualifying session, Ferrari and Red Bull are now considered favorites for pole, despite McLaren’s potential for improvement and dark horse performances from other teams.
“Ferrari’s impressive day puts Leclerc and his team in prime position entering the crucial qualifying session on Saturday, where securing a top starting position will be critical for success on race day.”
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