F1 Monaco GP 2024 LIVE: Updates, times and results as race resumes after huge Sergio Perez crash

Charles Leclerc finally realises Monaco destiny after massive Sergio Perez crash

Under the blazing Mediterranean sunshine and crisp blue skies on this most prestigious of racing Sundays, this famed principality’s prodigal son finally realised his day of days. Charles Leclerc’s procession started long before the chequered flag; in fact, from lap one’s crash chaos and red flag, this grand prix victory could hardly have been simpler. No pit-stops. No incidents. No Ferrari meltdown.

The curse is well and truly over.

Of course, by the curse, we mean that Leclerc – the Monegasque star who has never claimed a podium at his home race, let alone a win – had been here before. Pole positions in 2021 and 2022 were butchered by a drive shaft issue and strategy blunder but 2024 felt like his year from practice on Friday. Armed with the quickest car, Leclerc has been rapid all weekend and his victory felt somewhat pencilled in after topping qualifying on Saturday.

Mike Jones26 May 2024 16:53

Monaco Grand Prix – Carlos Sainz’s post match thoughts

“It was a tight one and a very bad feeling in Lap One that very quickly turned into a very good feeling after getting reinstated to P3.

“From then on the race pace was good as expected, it was just impossible to get past the streets in Monaco, but I’m extremely happy to see Charles win his home grand prix.

“To see him driving all weekend and share this podium with him in P3 is a great feeling for the whole team and I think they all deserve it. It looks like we are getting stronger and stronger every weekend.”

Mike Jones26 May 2024 17:30

Monaco Grand Prix – Reaction from Oscar Piastri

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said: “It was a tricky race, the pace in the beginning was incredibly slow. I had one little half look into the tunnel but I didn’t have a small enough car to put in the gap. Nice to put a result on the board, we’ve been strong the last few races but not got the results.

“Charles has been mega all weekend. They’ve [Ferrari] been quick all weekend. It would have taken something very special in quali to out do him, probably the best lap of my life. I’m happy with P2, good result for the team again. Very happy.”

Mike Jones26 May 2024 17:23

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

A last word from Charles Leclerc: “A huge thank you, the parade laps were special and seeing so many of my friends and people I know in the balcony, it was just very special. This one means a lot.”

Mike Jones26 May 2024 17:16

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

Here are the thoughts of Charles Leclerc’s brother:

Mike Jones26 May 2024 17:10

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

More from Leclerc: “It’s really difficult, at first I thought we had quite a lot of margin but we knew there was 78 laps to do on the same tyre which was very difficult.

“We did a great management of the tyres, there was a big part of the race where we had to manage the gap with George and in the last ten laps I called to push a bit more and the car felt amazing.

“I want to thank the team who have done incredible work over the last few months and for giving me the opportunity to finally win this race is a very special feeling.”

Mike Jones26 May 2024 17:04

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

Reaction from Charles Leclerc: “No words can explain. It’s such a difficult race, I think the fact that twice I’ve started on pole position and we couldn’t quite make it makes it even better in a way, it means a lot obviously.

“It is a race that made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver one day. It was a difficult race emotional because already 15 laps to the end you are just hoping nothing happens, already the emotions were coming.

“I was thinking of my dad a lot more than I thought while driving, obviously he’s given everything for me to be here. It was a dream of ours and for me to race here and to win and so it’s unbelievable.”

Mike Jones26 May 2024 16:58

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

Mike Jones26 May 2024 16:54

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

Prince Albert of Monaco warmly embraced Charles Leclerc on the podium before handing the Ferrari driver the winner’s trophy. It’s a Ferrari filled podium with Carlos Sainz receiving warm applause as well.

This weekend has been a good one for them as they’ve cut the gap in the constructors’ championship too.

Mike Jones26 May 2024 16:52

Monaco Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc takes victory

Mike Jones26 May 2024 16:41