Charles Leclerc is optimistic to be in the mix for what would be a third successive pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, saying “anything is possible” if he delivers in qualifying, though the home favorite hopes Red Bull and Aston Martin will push. much to Ferrari. .
Leclerc finished very close to Max Verstappen during Friday’s second practice session, lapping just 0.065 seconds slower than the reigning world champion, as he looks to add to the pole positions he took in Monte Carlo in 2022 and 2021.
READ MORE: Verstappen leads Leclerc as Sainz crashes during ultra-close second practice in Monaco
Asked to reflect on the opening day of practice and whether Ferrari is “in the fight”, Leclerc said: “Yes we are, we are good, but Aston Martin and Red Bull seem to be very quick too, so there is still a step to be taken.
“The feeling in the car was not too bad in FP1, a bit difficult… In FP2 a bit better, but there were some things that were a bit unexpected in my car, so we will work overnight to have the car exactly how I want tomorrow.”
FP2 highlights: Monaco Grand Prix 2023
Leclerc crashed out of the last qualifying session in Miami, raising questions about your approach behind the wheelbut the Monegasque promised to be as aggressive as he has always been this weekend.
“I will give it [my] everything, the classification is everything here”, he stressed. “There’s a lot of talk about my last race but qualifying has always been one of my strengths so I’m not worried, I’ll do it and we’ll see what happens.”
Pressed on whether he thinks pole position is in the cards, Leclerc added: “I mean, I don’t think we have the best car. Once again Red Bull is faster, Aston Martin is [there or] out there, but if we do a great job and put everything [together] in my lap, then anything is possible.”
Just behind Leclerc on Friday’s time sheets was his teammate Carlos Sainz, who showed impressive pace before crashing out of the pool chicane in FP2.
“It was a very small crash, to be honest,” he explained afterwards. “I just cut out the wall on the inside of [Turn] 16, a typical Monaco miscalculation.
“It’s a shame because I gave the mechanics extra time [repairing the car] today, but in terms of confidence and lap time, I’ve been around all day, a little miscalculation in a corner isn’t going to affect it.
READ MORE: Hamilton hails ‘amazing day’ in Monaco as Mercedes first sees upgraded W14 on track
When asked about her pole chances, Sainz said: “I think we are on the right track to at least challenge her. I think Red Bull is still fast, they are still leading after today.
“We’ve been closer than any other weekend and hopefully we can at least give them a run for their money, but I think it’s still going to be tough.