Leclerc Hopes for 'Special' Monza Upset, Cites Ricciardo's 2021 Win

Why it matters:

Charles Leclerc, starting fourth at Monza, acknowledges Ferrari's lack of pure race pace but holds out hope for a "special" Italian Grand Prix upset, drawing parallels to Daniel Ricciardo's unexpected victory in 2021.

The details:

• Leclerc, a two-time Monza winner, qualified behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen and the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Ferrari's race pace is considered the third best on the grid.
• He made a one-stop strategy work from fourth on the grid a year ago, securing a memorable win.
• Historically, the Italian GP has delivered unpredictable results, including Ricciardo's final F1 win in 2021 after a collision between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and Pierre Gasly's shock victory in 2020.
• Leclerc highlighted Ferrari's straight-line speed as a potential advantage.

What he's saying:

• "On pure pace, we don't have a chance. Unfortunately, McLaren and the Red Bull of Max were way too strong in terms of the race run."
• "But with the start, with the top speed we have, we all believe in it, but it is going to be tough [to win]."
• "There are some special races here, so I'll believe in it until the end, and we will see what is possible, but on pure pace, I don't think it is possible."