‘The emotions were exactly like 2019’ says Leclerc after leading Ferrari to victory joy in Monza

Charles Leclerc’s second Monza win felt just as good as the first five years earlier, according to the Monegasque driver, as Leclerc headed off the threat from McLaren to claim an unexpected victory for Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix.

Starting P4 on the grid in Ferrari’s home race, Leclerc made a one-stop strategy work to gain track position over the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris – who both opting to two-stop – before eking out the tyre life of his Pirelli rubber to bring home the victory and send the Tifosi wild.

And having first won for Ferrari at Monza back in 2019, one race after his maiden victory at Spa, Leclerc said the feeling was just as sweet in 2024.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” he said. “Actually I thought that the first time would just feel like this, and then the second time – if there was a second time – wouldn’t feel as special, but my god, the emotions in the last few laps, exactly the same like in 2019.

2024 Italian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc crosses the line as Ferrari win in Monza

“Just watching the grandstands inside of the track – which is tricky! – but incredible,” added Leclerc, who earlier this year won his home race in Monte Carlo for the first time.

“I mean Monaco and Monza are the two races I want to win every year. Obviously I want to win as many races as possible, and the World Championship as soon as possible, but these are the two most important races of the season and I managed to win them this year. It’s so, so special.”

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The result in Italy was aided by upgrades brought to this race by Ferrari. But Leclerc was unsure about whether the team could now become consistent challengers in the remaining eight races of the season, as he looked ahead to the next race in Baku – a track where he has traditionally performed well.

“I don’t know,” said Leclerc, when asked if the upgrade had made the difference, “because I think our package was working pretty well on a track like Monza. Whether it will be the same for the rest of the season, I doubt so.

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 01: Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Monaco celebrates winning in first — Leclerc sent the Italian crowd wild with his victory

“I still think McLaren are the favourites, but we have done a step forward that’s for sure. Baku is a pretty nice track for me, I quite like this track and I’ve been quite competitive in the past so who knows? Maybe we can achieve something special again there.”

RACE START: Watch the getaway in Monza as Piastri snatches the lead from pole-sitter Norris

Team mate Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, also enjoyed a solid race in his final appearance for Ferrari at Monza before he heads to Williams next season, bringing home P4 on his 30th birthday – with Ferrari having now scored three race wins across 2024, Leclerc’s pair of victories complemented by Sainz’s Australia win.