F1 News

Former champion says Leclerc has almost got Monza in the bag already

Former champion says Leclerc has "almost got Monza in the bag already"

01-09-2019 16:20

1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill believes that the first race win for Charles Leclerc will lead to many more, adding that victory in Italy next week is highly likely for the young Monegasque.

Leclerc took an emotional win on Sunday in Belgium, just a day after the tragic death of his friend Anthoine Hubert in a Formula 2 crash at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Ferrari driver had gone close to victory twice before, in Bahrain and Austria as he continued his impressive performances in his first year with the Scuderia.

Leading from pole, Leclerc was able to hold off Lewis Hamilton in the final stages of the race, and former champion Hill believes he will only get better. 

He said on Sky Sports after the race: "He will remember his first win for sure and I've been immensely impressed by the professionalism of all the drivers this weekend and particularly Charles Leclerc who withstood the pressure of Lewis Hamilton closing in on him in the final stages.

"He will never forget his first victory without remembering the loss of his compatriot. 

"I think this is going to open the floodgates as he's already established himself as faster then Sebastian Vettel. He's almost got Monza in the bag already but of course you shouldn't count your chickens."