Charles Leclerc Accepts Ferrari Has ‘No Car to Win’ Despite Front Row Start for Monaco GP

Charles Leclerc confessed that he could not secure pole position with the pace of the Ferrari SF25 at Monaco GP this weekend.

Charles Leclerc Accepts Ferrari Has ‘No Car to Win’ Despite Front Row Start for Monaco GP

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Getty)

Scuderia Ferrari has had a rough start to the 2025 season. After finishing runners-up in the standings last years, things have been on a decline even with Lewis Hamilton onboard. However, Charles Leclerc has had a promising start to his home race weekend in Monaco this time around. Yet, the Monegasque driver has understated expectations for the race.

Charles Leclerc has shown decent pace this weekend. The 27-year-old topped all three practice sessions, before putting some quick laps in Qualifying. Ultimately, the Monegasque driver narrowly missed out on pole position to Lando Norris with the drivers being separated by less than two tenths of a second at a challenging circuit like Monaco.

After the session, Leclerc gave a reality check to the Tifosi. The Ferrari star made it clear that the team does not have a real shot at victory against the likes of McLaren and Red Bull. Charles Leclerc accepted that even while starting from the front row, things will not be easy at the start against Norris. Though, the 27-year-old insisted that he will not hold himself back and will try to take risks in a bid to win his home race once again.

We know we don’t have the car to go for wins but starting second here… We know it will be hard to go for first place. I like city tracks, I like to go all in and take risks. I’m proud – at the end of the day, it’s not too bad.

Charles Leclerc said post-Qualifying

Charles Leclerc recalls ‘frustrating’ Q3 run

The Monegasque driver had impressive runs in the first two sessions of Qualifying and seemed right on pace with Lando Norris. It seemed that Leclerc would easily clinch pole this time around. However, the final session was not so easy for the Ferrari driver, who had more difficulties during the top 10 shootout in Q3.

Charles Leclerc (via Getty)
Charles Leclerc (via Getty)

Charles Leclerc admitted that in situations like these, one could have always done something more to get pole position. However, second place was the best that Ferrari could have achieved with the car this weekend. Leclerc pointed out that his confidence took a hit during the final session when he faced traffic on his first run. This made things frustrating for the 27-year-old as he had to ensure he was left with no margin for error.

There is always something more to be done, but this was the best we could do. The first lap was a shame as it gives you the confidence in the second lap, but I had traffic. It is what it is, very frustrated.

Charles Leclerc added

Certainly, Charles Leclerc would not back down from fighting for the win on Sunday. The Monegasque driver might not have a car as quick as Norris, but he knows these streets the best. The 27-year-old grew up on these streets and will leave no stone unturned to clinch victory. On the other hand, Leclerc’s teammate Lewis Hamilton will start from fourth place, hoping to make his way to the podium.

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