Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is confident Charles Leclerc will not be impacted by narrowly missing his first Formula 1 win for a second time.
Much like Bahrain earlier in the year, the Monegasque saw his lead taken away in the closing laps as Max Verstappen made a slightly contentious move at Turn 3.
And while Leclerc was frustrated, believing the Red Bull had forced him off track, Binotto thinks the disappointment will act as motivation going forward.
“I think there is no difficulty to encourage him. I think he’s already prepared for the next one, today gives him even more of a boost to somehow get his first victory in F1,” he said post-race.
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“I think after qualifying yesterday it was somehow very optimistic and after the first laps of the race, he was controlling the race and saw himself in a good position.
“But that’s what’s good in the sport, the chequered flag is only at the end of the race and everything may happen, so I think he’s simply looking ahead at the next races as a new challenge and he’s very hungry, so I’m pretty sure sooner or later it will be his time.”
Verstappen also backed Leclerc to continue his increasingly strong 2019 which has seen him claim three straight podiums and capitalise on issues for his teammate Sebastian Vettel.
“I’ve known Charles for a long time and he will for sure this year take his first victory as well,” said the fellow 21-year-old.
“You have to accept it. Of course, it’s disappointing to lose your first victory in the last few laps. I’ve lost out on pole positions which were very painful. Last year, for example, my Monaco weekend was horrible.
“Those things happen in this sport and like I said, Charles is a great driver and he will come very far.
“I think we have another 15-20 years racing together!”
