After having had to contest the race at Monza with empty grandstands last year, thousands of Tifosi are expected this weekend for the Italian Grand Prix at the Temple of Speed. For Charles Leclerc, the return to Ferrari’s home track was already a unique experience – and for Carlos Sainz it was a “crazy” first appearance in Scuderia red in front of the fans.
Leclerc won his second Grand Prix here in 2019 and sparked wild cheers among the fanatical Italian fans. Last year the race had to be held behind closed doors, but this weekend the fans are back and the Monegasque can’t wait to perform in front of them.
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When asked if he feels more like an F1 driver than anyone in this race, Leclerc replied: “Yes, probably more here than anywhere else in the world. Obviously Ferrari has so much support everywhere and we can feel it, but then when we get to Italy it’s just different and the amount of support we have here doesn’t come close anywhere else in the world.
“I mean, even if you leave the hotel this morning, there are hundreds of people waiting for you there and they are screaming and it’s so nice to see and feel so much support, so it’s definitely very special.”
There were cheering scenes when Leclerc won in Monza in 2019
“I’m very excited,” added Leclerc – although he was open about Ferrari’s chances. “It’s not going to be an easy weekend for us; On paper it’s one of the most difficult tracks for us this year, but we’ll try to give it our all. “
As for Sainz, who – agonizing because the victory was so close – finished second here for McLaren in 2020, he has since changed teams and is now drawing the loyalty of the local audience as a Ferrari driver. How was his first experience with Monza in Rosso Corsa?
GOOD LAP vs GREAT LAP: Drive around the Temple of Speed in Monza with Carlos Sainz on board
“Certainly very different, yes, really good memories from last year,” he said. “I could feel a little bit when I felt additional support this year long before I drove for McLaren here in Monza, when it was announced that Ferrari drivers were being driven.
“This year was another step; it’s crazy, we went to an event in central Milan yesterday and the amount of support you get as a Ferrari driver is just insane. I have no other word to describe it than crazy.
“And I enjoy it and look forward to feeling the rest of the weekend,” concluded the Spaniard.
Sainz and Leclerc look back on a “crazy” F1 season ahead of Ferrari’s home Grand Prix
The post “No other place in the world comes so close” – Leclerc and Sainz on their return to Monza with the tifosi first appeared on monter-une-startup.
