F1: Leclerc sets big target following Italian GP triumph

Charles Leclerc has set a target of winning the Italian Grand Prix every year after triumphing in Sunday’s Formula 1 race at Monza, Afrosport reports.

The Monaco national started the race in fifth place but made good use of the undercut from a one-stop strategy to overtake the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Leclerc ultimately finished ahead of Piastri and Norris for his second win in Monza having claimed his first in his debut season for Ferrari in 2019.

He also stated that he wants to win his home race, the Monaco Grand Prix, every year, after claiming his first victory in the Principality back in May.

“It is an incredible feeling,” Leclerc said.

“I thought the second time, if there was a second time, would not feel as special as the first, but the emotions over the last few laps were the same as 2019 [when I first won the Italian Grand Prix].

“I want to win Monza and Monaco every year and I have managed to do so. It is so, so special.”

“The second time feels just as special” 🏆🇮🇹⁰#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/B0iNraGmnd

— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) September 1, 2024

Leclerc’s victory in Monza was his second of the season (after Monaco) and maintains the steak of seven different drivers to have won a race this season (after Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Jr., Norris, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Piastri).

The former Sauber man sits in third place in the drivers’ championship on 214 points and behind Verstappen (303 points) and Norris (241 points).