Charles Leclerc has made his feelings clear that Formula 1 would not be the same without the Monaco Grand Prix.
While it may be the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the F1 calendar, the historic race on Monte Carlo’s streets is facing an uncertain future due to the priorities of owners Liberty Media.
Monaco has lost its status as the only event not to pay a fee and has even had to bring its weekend schedule into line with practice moved from Thursday to Friday.
Now, there is even speculation that F1 bosses want the race to give up its traditional end of May slot on the schedule too, as part of a new deal beyond 2022.
“I think it would be a bad move for both parties now,” said the Monaco native on the possibility of losing the race.
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“I’ve never known Monaco without F1, except for COVID reasons in 2020, and F1 without Monaco for me is not F1.
“I think F1 has a history, has some historic tracks like Silverstone, like Monza, and like Monaco too, and I think they should stay in the calendar.”
The other big question over Monaco is whether the famous circuit is still suitable as today’s bigger cars make race day largely processional.
“I thought about it sometimes, whether it will improve a lot overtaking,” Leclerc said on possible changes to the layout. “I don’t know, maybe before the tunnel, you can go to the left and do a big straight there but how feasible it is?
“I’m not sure. Of course, overtaking is difficult, but I think what we all love as drivers is the challenge, especially in qualifying to do that lap, just pushing.
“There’s no track that comes close to the adrenaline we get in Monaco, and for me, it’s part of F1 history and should stay in F1.”
Despite his love for his home race, Leclerc has an appalling record in Monte Carlo having never managed to finish a race there.
Last year, he would claim pole position but fail to start the race due to crash damage sustained on his final lap in Q3.
But asked if his more competitive Ferrari car in 2022 will lead to a change of approach, the 24-year-old was clear.
“Of course it will. Last year, I took a lot of risks. I knew I needed a miracle to get to the front row.
“I’m going to do everything I can to win and not leave anything on the table, but I’ve learned that sometimes there are situations that require more caution.
“Obviously, I am aware of the expectations but this season I decided to take a step back. In Monaco, even if I remain the same person, and apart from the big events, it’s like a small village.”
