Leclerc 'feels part of Ferrari’s F1 history' after Monza win

Charles Leclerc says his victory at last year’s Italian Grand Prix has left him feeling part of Ferrari’s Formula 1 history.

Leclerc followed up his maiden grand prix victory at Spa by delivering Ferrari its first win on home soil since 2010, having soaked up late attacks from Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas to seal a popular victory.

The Monegasque scored two wins and seven pole positions in his first season at the Scuderia to beat four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel to fourth spot in the standings.

Asked if he now feels part of Ferrari’s history following his Italian GP win during a fan Q&A at Autosport International, Leclerc replied: “Yes, definitely.

“At least the fans make me feel this way and it is great to feel that way but then whenever I stand next to Mario Andretti or other legends I don’t feel at the right place.

“Now it is up to me to do the job on the track and to try to show my ability.”

Speaking about the pressure to win on home soil for Ferrari, Leclerc added: “It is very, very difficult to find the words to describe what I felt during that race.

“I had a lot of pressure, the whole team had a lot of pressure because we were in Italy and Ferrari in Italy is huge and everyone wanted us to win so there was big pressure around the whole team.

“The week started from the Monday which is quite different compared to the other Grand Prix as we usually start on the Thursday as drivers, but we started on the Monday in Milan.

“The pressure was building up and then doing the pole position was something already but then I had to focus on the race and in the race I had no space to breath.

“I had Lewis [Hamilton] all of the race less than two seconds [behind], so a lot of pressure and then to be on the podium and to have finally won the race and to see the red army on the podium was something extremely special.

“It gave me chills and made me realise what it is like to be a Ferrari driver. Of course, I realised a bit before, but I think you really realise when you win in Monza and see the passion.

“You can see it in the eyes of the people, the passion they have for the brand, it is unbelievable to see.”