Charles Leclerc winning at Monza, his second for Ferrari, was a standout highlight among the several that occurred across a riveting 2024 Formula 1 campaign.
Motorsport Week’s writers have charted their favourite moments of the 2024 F1 season with Editor Taylor Powling picking a poignant moment for Ferrari at Monza.
“To see Ferrari triumph on home soil at the Italian Grand Prix will always be special regardless, but to be there to see the celebrations live in person with the Tifosi flooding onto the start-finish straight and belting out the Italian anthem was an indescribable experience that television pictures could never truly capture.
“Leclerc was a deserving victor that day, too, having produced a flawless race to beat the quicker McLarens, cementing his position as Ferrari’s favourite son right in time for Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 arrival.”
Charles Leclerc reflects on second Ferrari win at Monza
Not only was Leclerc’s win at Monza a special moment in the eyes of Motorsport Week, but it was also for the man himself.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” he said in parc ferme.
“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, just watching the grandstand inside of the track which is tricky but yeah, incredible!
“I mean Monaco and Monza are the two races that 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. So, it’s so, so special.”
The rampant Tifosi cheered for Leclerc as his win drew closer, lap after lap and he said: “Just like in 2019, the last 3, 4, 5 laps it was quite difficult to keep the eyes on the track and I was obviously looking a little bit in the grandstand, I could see everybody was standing up and that was really nice to see.
“In 2019 I remember there was my mum also in the grandstand because I didn’t manage to have a paddock pass for her,” he added.
“This year, she actually had a paddock pass, so it’s good. She could watch and experience both things, once in the grandstand and once in the paddock.
“But yeah, it’s a very special feeling. I could also see some red smoke at one point. So I knew everybody was super excited, but I also knew that I had to finish the job.”
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