Leclerc had his father and Bianchi in his mind during emotional Monaco Grand Prix

Six-time Formula One race winner Charles Leclerc was at a loss for words after his emotional victory at the Monaco Grand Prix which saw him finally secure his first win on home turf.

Charles Leclerc has finally shaken off his Monaco taboo, winning his home race at his sixth attempt. He is the 37th driver to win on the streets of Monaco and the seventh Ferrari driver to win here. He is also the first Monegasque to do so since the start of the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship in 1950, although Louis Chiron, also a Monegasque won here 93 years ago, well before the creation of the World Championship.

Commenting on his highly emotional win on home turf, Leclerc said: “I can’t really explain how I feel. The race seemed to go on for ever, but maybe that made it even nicer. Winning here means so much to me, because it’s the race that made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver when I was little. So I want to thank the people of Monaco, on the lap of honour I saw so many people on the balconies and I thank all of them for their incredible support.I can’t really explain how I feel. The race seemed to go on for ever, but maybe that made it even nicer.

“Winning here means so much to me, because it’s the race that made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver when I was little. So I want to thank the people of Monaco, on the lap of honour I saw so many people on the balconies and I thank all of them for their incredible support

“Over the last few laps it was difficult because you start to pray nothing’s going to happen and I could feel the emotion growing in me and I realised I was almost losing concentration on my driving. I was thinking a lot about my father, about everything he did to ensure that I was here today and I was also thinking of Jules.

“Winning this race was a dream we all had and I dedicate the win to them.We had to do a lot of tyre management, also managing the gap to George (Russell) to make sure the McLarens couldn’t get a free pit stop, so mentally it was quite draining. I have to thank the team for doing an exceptional job over the past few months and for helping me to win this race. I can’t wait to celebrate with all of them and the rest of the team as soon as I get to Maranello,” added Leclerc.

His team-mate Carlos Sainz endured a tough start to his race. Although his initial launch was great and he was able to challenge the McLaren of Oscar Piastri for P2, he had a slight contact with the Australian at the exit of Turn 1 which caused damaged to his car.

The three-time F1 race winner then slid into the escape road at the Casino corner after having sustained a puncture. However, the red flag saved his race as he could regain his third spot on the grid at the restart.

Commenting on his podium finish in the Monaco Grand Prix, Sainz said: “It was a very tactical race. I had a very good first start off the line, to the point that I was side by side with Oscar (Piastri) into turn 1 and I went for the inside gap. We touched, I got a puncture and I thought that was it. Fortunately for me, the big accident behind meant I could restart from P3 and thankfully everyone was OK.It was a very tactical race.

“I had a very good first start off the line, to the point that I was side by side with Oscar (Piastri) into turn 1 and I went for the inside gap. We touched, I got a puncture and I thought that was it. Fortunately for me, the big accident behind meant I could restart from P3 and thankfully everyone was OK.For the restart we had new Hard tyres and it was just a matter of managing the pace until the end and making sure Lando didn’t have a window to pit.

“Once this was achieved, I tried to overtake Oscar during the last laps but it’s simply too difficult if you are on the same strategy as the car ahead.I’m very happy for Charles! Winning your home race is something every driver dreams of and it was good to be able to celebrate with him on the podium,” the Spaniard said.