The Monegasque driver finally emerged victorious in his home race on his sixth attempt, after securing two pole positions that went unrewarded previously and achieving a fourth place in 2022. His early failures in the iconic Monaco Grand Prix led many to believe he was cursed and destined to never prove victorious on the streets of Monaco.
Similar to Ayrton Senna’s triumph in the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, Leclerc capitalized on a remarkable pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session and led every lap of the race, crossing the finish line in first place to the delight of the crowd in Monaco. Albert II, the Prince of Monaco, joined Leclerc in celebrating a Monegasque winner at the Monaco Grand Prix, a feat not achieved in 93 years.
In a post-race report, the Ferrari driver struggled to find the right words to express his emotions. He said, “I can’t find words to describe how I feel. The race felt like it lasted an eternity, but maybe that made it even more special. Winning here means the world to me because this is the race that fueled my dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver when I was young. So, I want to express my gratitude to the people of Monaco. During the victory lap, I saw countless people on their balconies, and I am incredibly grateful for their unwavering support,” Leclerc stated.
The 26-year-old driver admitted that he found it challenging to maintain focus during the final stages of the Grand Prix due to the overwhelming flow of emotions as victory approached. He continued: “During the last laps, it became difficult because I started praying that nothing would go wrong. The emotions inside me intensified and I realized that I was losing concentration on my driving. My thoughts were consumed by my father and everything he did to ensure that I could be here today. I was also thinking about Jules. Winning this race was a shared dream and I dedicate this victory to them,” Leclerc added.
The Team Principal of Ferrari, Frédéric Vasseur, expressed his immense joy for Charles Leclerc’s exceptional performance in Monaco. Leclerc had faced difficulties in previous races at this circuit, but he dominated from the first lap of the practice session. Vasseur praised Leclerc for his flawless execution and control throughout the race. Despite Leclerc’s desire to push harder, the team could not grant permission for that.
After celebrating their triumphant victory in Monaco, the Ferrari team will now focus on the next race in Canada. Vasseur emphasized the collective effort of the team and the positive dynamics, as everyone is working towards the same goal. However, Vasseur warned against complacency and stressed the importance of maintaining focus. The team’s motivation is fueled by this significant victory, which has inspired both track personnel and factory workers who contributed to Ferrari’s success.
Emotions were palpable among team members as they celebrated this memorable day on the podium. However, Vasseur reminded everyone that it is time to start preparing for the next race in Canada. He urged the team to strive for an even better performance in the upcoming event.
The Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM BST (2:00 PM local time).
© 2024
Portugal wins Euro Cup in thrilling final against Spain
Portugal clinched the Euro Cup in a thrilling final against Spain. The Portuguese team displayed exceptional performance throughout the tournament and managed to overcome the strong Spanish team to take home the title.
The game started with both teams showing great skill and determination. Portugal opened the scoring with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo early in the first half. However, Spain quickly responded and equalized with a goal from Sergio Ramos.
The match continued to be intense and both teams had several opportunities to score. It was only in the second half that Portugal managed to score the winning goal, with a precise shot from Bernardo Silva.
The Portuguese fans went wild with the title victory and the players celebrated on the field with great emotion. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was one of the standout players of the team throughout the tournament, was named the best player of the Euro Cup.
Portugal’s victory in the Euro Cup was a historic milestone for the country and Portuguese football. The team showed great determination and skill throughout the tournament, and the title win was well-deserved.
Now, Portugal is gearing up for the upcoming challenges and hopes to maintain a strong performance in the next tournaments. The team has shown that they have the talent and capability to compete with the best teams in the world, and fans are excited about the future of Portuguese football.
The 2024 Euro Cup was an exciting tournament filled with great games. The participating teams displayed a high level of football and provided unforgettable moments for sports fans.
Portugal is the new European champion and now has the challenge of keeping the title in the upcoming competitions. The team is confident and determined to continue making history in football.
