How do Leclerc's Montreal brake issues hinder him in Monaco?

Charles Leclerc once again placed himself firmly in the Monaco Grand Prix fight — fastest in FP1, second in FP2, and consistently in the mix despite a day overshadowed by persistent brake issues that continue to trouble him since Canada.

Leclerc opened his home weekend by topping first practice, delivering the kind of precision and rhythm that have made him one of Monaco’s most naturally gifted drivers. The Monegasque went on to finish second in FP2, only 0.111s behind team‑mate Lewis Hamilton.

“We’re facing quite a few issues on the brakes on my side, so we’re trying to fix those. The confidence is not at the highest level at the moment.”

For a driver who relies heavily on late‑braking aggression around Monte Carlo, that limitation is significant. Leclerc made clear that the issue is not new: “Unfortunately, it’s been since Canada that I’m struggling a little bit on that.”

Despite the discomfort, Leclerc stressed that Ferrari understand the problem and are working urgently to resolve it before qualifying — the most important session of the Monaco weekend.

“We’re trying to find solutions, I hope we do for tomorrow, and if so I don’t doubt that we will do a step forward.”

He reiterated the same message after FP2, noting that the day had been far from smooth: “It was a tricky day, with some work ahead of us, in particular in terms of brake balance, but I love this track and it’s good to be back racing here.”

Leclerc knows that Monaco qualifying is always a razor‑thin contest, and this year looks no different. Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes all appear capable of fighting for pole.

“It’s going to be very tight in qualifying tomorrow, so I hope that we can take a step forward and fight for pole position.”

Pressed on whether he believes he can genuinely challenge for the top spot, Leclerc was realistic but far from discouraged: “Max has been very strong, Red Bull have been very strong, and Lewis has been very strong as well.”

Still, his FP2 pace — just a tenth off Hamilton — gives him confidence: “At the end of the day, it’s not been a disastrous day. We were very close to Lewis in FP2, so I’m not so worried, but it’s going to be a tough Qualifying.”

And once again, he circled back to the same decisive factor: “If we do a step forward with the brakes, surely it can help us for the fight for pole.”