An Unforgettable Memory at Monza
In the context of the Italian Grand Prix, Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc surprised fans with a personal revelation on the official Formula 1 podcast, F1 Beyond The Grid. During the interview, Leclerc recalled his first victory with Scuderia Ferrari at Monza, a milestone that marked his career and remains etched in the memory of the tifosi (Ferrari's passionate fans).
The 28-year-old driver (born October 3, 1997) confessed that after the podium celebration and the crowd's euphoria, he experienced a surreal moment: “The police stopped me on the highway,” he recalled with a laugh. According to his account, the thrill of the triumph led him to exceed the speed limit while driving back from the circuit, and authorities pulled him over. Far from being a problem, the episode became an anecdote that reflects the intensity of that historic day.
The Context of a Dream Victory
Leclerc's first win at Monza occurred on September 8, 2019, when the Ferrari driver triumphed at the Italian Grand Prix before an ecstatic crowd. That race was special not only for the victory but also because it took place just two days after the passing of French former driver Jules Bianchi, a friend and mentor to Leclerc. The Monegasque dedicated the win to Bianchi, and the tears on the podium moved the motorsport world.
In the interview, Leclerc also highlighted the unique connection he feels with the Monza circuit and with Italian fans, whom he described as “the most passionate in the world.” “Winning at Monza with Ferrari is something that cannot be explained in words. It's a dream every driver wishes to fulfill,” he said.
Ferrari and the 2026 Season
Leclerc's revelation comes at a key moment for Ferrari, which in the 2026 Formula 1 season aims to return to the top. With a competitive car and a mature Leclerc, the Italian team inspires its supporters. This year's Italian Grand Prix will be held on September 6, 2026 at Monza, and expectations are high.
Leclerc, currently third in the drivers' championship with 198 points, arrives at the Italian round with high morale after his victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. Ferrari, meanwhile, is second in the constructors' championship with 342 points, 45 behind leader Red Bull.
Key Race Facts
- Date: September 8, 2019
- Circuit: Monza, Italy
- Winning driver: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Dedicated to: Jules Bianchi
- Anecdote: Stopped for speeding after the race
Leclerc's full interview on F1 Beyond The Grid is now available on major podcast platforms. In it, the driver reviews his career, rivalries, and future goals, offering an intimate look at the life of one of the grid's brightest talents.
With his sights set on Monza, Leclerc and Ferrari will look to repeat the 2019 feat and give the tifosi a new golden page in the history of Formula 1's most successful team.