F1 News: Charles Leclerc Gives Emotional Speech After First Monaco Win

Leclerc wins the Monaco Grand Prix for the very first time.

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles LeClerc of Monaco (16) celebrates after securing pole position during qualifying at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Leclerc clinched his first-ever Monaco Grand Prix victory, an achievement he described as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Leading from pole position, Leclerc managed the race with strategic precision amidst numerous on-track incidents. It was a poignant moment, steeped in personal history and emotions.

Prior to the race, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation as Leclers started in pole, flanked by competitors Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz. When the lights went out, Leclerc maintained his lead, successfully navigating the critical first turn without incident, while Sainz briefly grappled with Piastri but managed to continue racing despite an off-track excursion.

The race was dramatic from the start. An early red flag halted proceedings after a crash involving Kevin Magnussen, Sergio Perez, and Nico Hulkenberg. This interruption was compounded by a collision between Alpine teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, which led to Ocon's retirement and a subsequent penalty, further shuffling the pack for future races.

Upon the race's resumption, the challenge for Leclerc was not merely about speed but strategic control. Ferrari’s game plan was evident as they instructed Leclerc to manage his pace—an effort to influence the race strategy of those behind him.

As the race neared its conclusion, Leclerc expertly kept Piastri outside the DRS zone, sealing his lead and eventually taking the checkered flag. His victory was not just a personal accomplishment but an emotional watershed, as reflected in his post-race comments. He said:

“No words can explain that. It's such a difficult race, I think the fact twice I've been starting on pole position and we couldn't quite make it makes it even better in a way. It means a lot, obviously. It's the race which made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver one day.

Leclerc continued, "Fifteen laps to the end you're hoping nothing happens and the emotions are coming. It means a lot, obviously. It's the race which made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver one day.

"My dad has given everything for me to be here and it was a dream of ours for me to race here and win here, so it's unbelievable."