Credit: Glenn Dunbar/Motorsport Images
Leclerc sets the fastest lap in second Practice for Monaco GP
Charles Leclerc raised the hopes of a home victory with the fastest performance in the second practice session for the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix on Friday. The Ferrari driver, who has twice secured pole position at his home race without clinching a podium finish, topped the timesheets with an impressive lap time of 1:11.278 seconds on soft tires.
Leclerc’s Home Advantage
Leclerc’s pace around the tight and twisty streets of Monaco has always been quick, and his performance in the second practice session showcased his determination to finally secure a podium finish in front of his home crowd.
Hamilton Close Behind
Lewis Hamilton, who led the first practice session with a time of 1:12.169, continued his strong form by finishing second in the later session, just 0.188 seconds behind Leclerc. The Mercedes driver, a three-time Monaco Grand Prix winner, just might be a significant threat for the weekend.
Alonso and Red Bulls’s Mixed Fortunes
Fernando Alonso, another former winner in Monaco, posted the third fastest time for Aston Martin. The veteran driver has consistently shown his skill around the demanding circuit, keeping him in the mix for a strong result at qualifying.
Championship leader Max Verstappen, however, continued to struggle with his Red Bull. Despite finishing fourth fastest, Verstappen reported significant handling issues. “The car is too loose,” he complained after grazing the wall at Portier. “I’m jumping like a kangaroo, man! I’m getting headaches. It’s crazy.” His teammate, Sergio Pérez, also faced difficulties, finishing eighth and describing the car’s ride as “horrendous.”
McLaren and Ferrari Show Promise
Lando Norris delivered another solid performance for McLaren, securing the fifth fastest time, while Carlos Sainz rounded out the top six for Ferrari. Sainz’s consistent pace adds to Ferrari’s strong showing, raising expectations for a competitive qualifying session.
Williams and Mercedes’ Midfield Battle
Williams’ Alex Albon and Mercedes’ George Russell completed the top ten, with Albon finishing ninth and Russell tenth. Russell’s performance was a step back from his earlier session, but both drivers remain optimistic about their chances in the upcoming sessions.
Looking Ahead
As the teams prepare for the crucial qualifying session, Charles Leclerc’s strong performance has energized the Ferrari camp and the local fans. However, with Hamilton close on his heels and Alonso showing his veteran ability, the battle for pole position is expected to be fierce. Red Bull’s struggles add an element of unpredictability, potentially opening the door for other teams to capitalize.
The Monaco Grand Prix is renowned for its difficulty in overtaking, making a strong qualifying performance essential. With Leclerc, Hamilton, and Alonso all in contention, and Verstappen and Pérez working to resolve their issues, anything can happen during the weekend.
