Courtesy: F1, Autosport
Leclerc took a surprise pole position for Ferrari in qualifying on Saturday, although he was left worried about the state of his gearbox after colliding at the end of Q3 near the exit of the swimming pool.
Ferrari did preliminary tests on the gearbox, which revealed “no major damage,” and stated on Sunday morning that no changes would be made, keeping Leclerc on the pole. However, based on the latest reports, due to gearbox and left drive shaft issues, even a pit-lane start is out of the question. He probably fantasised last night of winning his home race, but today he won’t even compete. Ferrari’s choice to try to hold on to the pole will have to be questioned; it has backfired terribly. Charles Leclerc of Monaco is devastated.
Unfortunately, it is not going to be a good day for Charles. Nonetheless, he took the time to wish his fellow drivers the best of luck, which requires great bravery and humility.
Leclerc hit trouble on his way to the grid for Sunday’s race and parked up in his Ferrari garage with his head in his hands. “We have an issue and we will not make it to the grid,” a member of the Ferrari team confirmed to FIA director Michael Masi.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull will lead the way, with championship challenger and current leader Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in sixth place. Heartbreak for all the Ferrari fans and staff. This race could’ve given them their first win and maybe even a move up in the constructor’s championship.
BREAKING: Leclerc will NOT start the race #MonacoGP 🇲🇨 #F1 pic.twitter.com/MUzhzp38a1
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 23, 2021