Leclerc intrigued for “different perspective” on Monaco home debut

Charles Leclerc is gearing up for an emotional home Formula 1 debut in Monaco and “gaining a different perspective on my home”.

The Alfa Romeo Sauber driver will be the first Monegasque to contest his home F1 Grand Prix since Olivier Beretta in 1994 who finished in eighth place for Tourtel Larrousse.

After catching the eye as the standout F1 rookie so far this year, having taken Sauber’s first back-to-back points finishes since 2015, Leclerc accepts even greater attention will be on him during his home F1 debut but is relishing the opportunity to make history.

“There are a lot of emotions for me, with my first Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix coming up this weekend,” Leclerc said. “I have dreamt of being part of this event ever since I was a child and it is incredible for this dream to finally come true.

“It will be nice to have my friends and family there to support me, and I look forward to sharing this special moment with the Monegasque people. Driving on city circuits is something I always enjoy, and I love the challenge that it brings to me as a driver.

“Although I know the city well, it will be a completely new experience for me to drive on the streets of Monte Carlo in a Formula 1 car. I look forward to gaining a different perspective on my home town. It will be an unforgettable weekend for me.”

Leclerc became the first Monaco-born driver to score F1 points since Louis Chiron clinched third place at his home race in 1950.