Leclerc shares damning verdict for Tifosi: 'Podium will be already tough'

18:15, 06 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

Charles Leclerc believes a podium finish will be a tough ask in front of the Tifosi at Monza.

Just like the previous season, Leclerc qualified in P4 for the Italian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver was "very happy" with his lap, and believes there was not much more he could do, as he had no tow ahead, with Yuki Tsunoda leaving a considerable gap on track in front of him.

Leclerc was not surprised to see Max Verstappen claiming pole position for Sunday, he told GPblog after the session.

"Yesterday with our simulations, we kind of had him already being very, very strong. I think they sounded also quite confident yesterday.

"It was a surprise, like if you would have asked me before the weekend, I wouldn't have expected Red Bull to be so strong.

"But after Friday we understood that they had done a massive turnaround compared to last year where I think they were struggling," he explained.

Leclerc ‘believes in’ good result, but expects tough battle

Leclerc will start behind the Red Bull of Verstappen and the two McLaren drivers on Sunday.

In 2024, he could deliver a home victory for the Tifosi, but the Monegasque driver believes a podium will already be tough to achieve.

"We are quite fast in this race, it should be exciting. I think on pure pace we don't have a chance, unfortunately," he began about whether he could repeat his victory in Monza.

"I think McLaren and the Red Bull of Max was way too strong in terms of race run. But with the start, with the top speed we have, I'll believe in it, but it's going to be tough.

"There are some special races," he continued in response to Daniel Ricciardo (2021) and Pierre Gasly (2020) winning in the past.

"So again, I'll believe in it (winning in Monza, ed.) until the end and we'll see what's possible. But let's say on pure pace, I don't think it's possible," he concluded.