Charles Leclerc shares the one race in 2023 that was better than his four podiums this season

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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has shared that returning home for the Monaco Grand Prix is still his favourite race of the season despite his four podiums elsewhere in 2023.

Leclerc was speaking to teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. on Ferrari’s YouTube channel and reflecting on recent events in Formula 1 before heading to Las Vegas.

At the start of the season, the triple-header of Austin, Mexico City and Sao Paulo would have been highlighted as where the title could be won or lost.

Incredibly, Red Bull and Max Verstappen have been so dominant in 2023 that they had already wrapped up both championships.

They’ve faced challenges this season despite winning every race but one so far this year.

Red Bull have regularly been challenged in qualifying by Ferrari, but their pace on Sundays has been lacking.

Ferrari are still the only team to stand on the top step of the podium aside from Red Bull in 2023 after Carlos Sainz secured a dramatic win in Singapore.

Charles Leclerc hasn’t had much luck but has admitted his home race in Monaco is still his favourite despite his terrible luck in the principality.

He finished sixth this year, and despite standing on the podium four times elsewhere this year, is still happiest when he’s at home.

The 26-year-old has more pole positions than any other driver except for Verstappen this season but is making a habit of failing to convert those starts into wins.

Leclerc chooses Monaco as favourite race

Asked what his favourite Grand Prix is, Leclerc said: “My favourite race of the season for me was Monaco because at home it’s so special.

“I mean I sleep at home, take the bike, go to the paddock.”

Leclerc’s luck when it comes to the Monaco Grand Prix suggests he’s cursed at his home race.

In 2017 when he went on to win the Formula 2 title, he retired in his home Feature Race and Sprint Race despite leading into the first corner in the main race.

A mistake from his team saw him lose the lead under a safety car and a loose wheel forced him to retire.

His six races in F1 at Monaco have seen him retire three times, fail to start once, and then finish fourth and sixth.

It will be a huge occasion when Leclerc can finish a race at Monaco on the podium and earn the adulation of the home crowd.

However, the pressure is building every time he races in Monte Carlo now and that will be playing on his mind when he heads home again next year.