SF-25 weak in slow corners, but surprises are possible

Charles Leclerc wants to reclaim Monte CarloA track made up entirely of slow corners should, at least on paper, be the nemesis of the Ferrari SF-25. Despite the not particularly encouraging prospects heading into the Monaco weekend, Charles Leclerc is not ready to lower Ferrari’s flag just yet. Not only with a view to the championship—given the belief that things might start to improve for the Scuderia beginning in Barcelona—but also for the circuit of the Principality itself, where the Monegasque still remembers the celebrations of his historic win in 2024.

What the Ferrari driver said“Unfortunately,” said the Scuderia Ferrari driver during Thursday’s press conference at the Monaco GP, “we lose ground in slow corners and on this circuit we only have slow corners. So on paper, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be our track, but in my view, this circuit is so unique and different from any other we’ve raced on this season that I think there may still be room for surprises once we’re in the car tomorrow. I obviously hope that’s the case, and if it is, then I might have hopes for Saturday. Obviously qualifying remains the most important moment of the weekend but, on paper, it will be difficult for us.” – the Ferrari man pointed out.

And then there’s the Charles factor—the intimate knowledge of every single corner of the track that only a driver who grew up on these streets could hope to have: “Yes, here the driver can make the difference, and I must also say that there have been years when we obviously didn’t expect to be on pole, but we got it. When you think you have no hope, you can take risks in Q3 and do more than someone who instead has to manage the expectation of Q3, like in 2021. So yes, I still hope to repeat what we achieved last year.” “And then,” Charles Leclerc concluded ahead of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix weekend – “I believe in myself. I know there have been opportunities on street circuits in the past, and there might be one now too. The only thing that has changed compared to last year is that we’re weak in low-speed corners.”

May 22, 2025David Carter

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