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Charles Leclerc arrived in Monaco with smiles ablaze following news of his contract extension at Ferrari, and Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lewis Hamilton now has the ‘perfect opportunity’ to deal his teammate a ‘big blow’ at Monaco.
For the first time this season, Ferrari are entering a race weekend as the overriding favourites in the F1 paddock, largely down to the SF-26’s strong aerodynamic package that makes them a class-leader in the slow-to-medium speed corners.
If Charles Leclerc wasn’t a Ferrari driver, which F1 team would you like to see him at?
As such, much of the talk in the build-up to the Monaco Grand Prix has been regarding whether Lewis Hamilton can claim his maiden victory in red, or if Charles Leclerc can spoil the party by showcasing his superior form around the streets of Monte Carlo.
- READ MORE: Charles Leclerc admits what he’s still ‘missing’ from his F1 ‘CV’ on top of a world title
Juan Pablo Montoya thinks Lewis Hamilton can deal a ‘big blow’ Charles Leclerc at Monaco
During F1TV’s Weekend Warm-Up for the Monaco Grand Prix, F1 pundit Juan Pablo Montoya was asked about Hamilton’s chances of securing a first race win for the Scuderia following the talk of Ferrari being favourites.
The Colombian began by highlighting how the Briton’s strong run of form at recent race weekends is a strong indicator that things may just go his way on the streets of Monaco.
The jewel in the crown is upon us! Who’s your pick for the Monaco Grand Prix? 👑
“He’s in a really good position because he comes from a really solid street course to another, and you’ve got Charles with a new contract,” he said. “So this is the perfect opportunity to beat Charles and put a lot of pressure on him.
“The contract was probably signed before Canada, I would assume. When you have a new contract, and you have a bad weekend, then it gets announced, and if Lewis can beat him here, it would be huge.
“It would be a big blow, mentally. Yes, Charles is really good here, but Lewis is also. You can’t say Charles is really good when you have to remember that he has a seven-time world champion next to him.”
- READ MORE: Ferrari ambassador saw a ‘very important’ sign from Lewis Hamilton but he’s not Monaco GP favourite
Jolyon Palmer urges Charles Leclerc to reset after new deal amid poor form
Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer also chimed in with his opinion on Leclerc’s chances following a renewed sense of confidence in his future, offering the Monegasque some words of advice after a difficult Canadian Grand Prix.
“Think about the contract extension rather than Canada is number one for him,” he said. “Canada was a really off weekend for Charles, but he is the best driver on the grid around this circuit. His record speaks for itself.
“Every time he’s turned up, he’s been super rapid, three poles, nearly a fourth last year as well. Bearing in mind that Ferrari didn’t win a race all season, that was as close as they got. He just loves it here.
“He’s got a natural feel. Obviously, he’s got probably an inside track on the circuit, having grown up just down the road. But the way that he drives, it’s attacking; he likes a pointing car. It’s how you have to drive, living on the edge of things here, and it’s always suited him.”
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