Leclerc to Monza with high hopes: 'Fastest car doesn't always win here'

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is looking forward to the Italian Grand Prix. It is the home race of the Ferrari team, which brings a lot of red in the stands every year. Leclerc knows this too and told to the Italian branch of Sky Sports that racing at Monza is really something special.

The season hasn't worked well for the Maranello-based team yet. The SF-23 has so far failed to connect with the top. Leclerc managed to be the only Ferrari driver to finish on the podium three times. Looking ahead to Ferrari's home race, the Monegasque commented: "There are so many fans, even in a difficult season for the team. That gives us a smile and a boost ahead of the weekend."

Leclerc managed to win the race at Monza in 2019. He still looks back on that race with special feelings, where he had a solid fight with Lewis Hamilton. "Seeing so many people get me excited. It reminds me of winning in 2019. Every year there is a special feeling, you can see and feel the passion. It's something special. I always talk about that victory in 2019, now we have to go and do that again."

Whether Ferrari can run away with victory again remains to be seen. However, Leclerc is hopeful: "It will be difficult this year, Red Bull is very strong, but with the push from the fans anything is possible. We will do everything we can, we are not in an easy situation, but anything can happen at Monza, the fastest car does not always win here."