F1 Monaco GP 2024 LIVE: Results, times and updates as Charles Leclerc wins home race
Sergio Perez loses three wheels after collision with Kevin Magnussen causing red flag on opening lap after Charles Leclerc starts on pole with Max Verstappen down the order
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Charles Leclerc ended his Monaco curse by winning with a comfortable margin at his home race. After near-misses in 2021 and 2022, when he started on pole, Leclerc kept McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at bay to claim a first victory on home soil and reduce the championship gap to Max Verstappen.
Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz finished third with Lando Norris fourth. Mercedes’ George Russell crossed the line in fifth ahead of Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton took seventh.
The race had started in explosive fashion when Sergio Perez hit the barrier on the hill up from Sainte Devote. The Red Bull driver was clipped by Kevin Magnussen and which resulted in a three car crash.
The Mexican was sent into the wall and lost both front wings and both tyres. The trio all walked away unscathed.
Relive the updates from the Monaco Grand Prix with The Independent
Monaco Grand Prix - Lando Norris speaking to Sky Sports
“There’s not much going on in Monaco but the red flag simplified things and made things less action packed.
“A good result for us as a team, not a lot to aim for, just get your tyres to the end and don’t make mistakes which is pretty simple. For what it is, a fourth and a second, congrats to Oscar for his podium is always a lovely one to have in Monaco.
“We did what we could, I think the pace was strong from the car today which is another positive thing for the future, and our races have been strong lately so we will keep pushing.”
Drivers’ Championship top 10
Charles Leclerc has managed to cut Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the drivers’ championship over to 31 points after his Monaco victory.
The race was over on lap one for Sergio Perez who drops to fifth place below Carlos Saiz in fourth and third-placed Lando Norris.
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 169
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 138
3. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 113
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) - 108
5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) - 107
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 71
7. George Russell (Mercedes) - 54
8. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 42
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 33
10. Yuki Tsunoda (RB) - 19
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.”
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.”
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.”
Monaco Grand Prix - Charles Leclerc takes victory
Here are the thoughts of Charles Leclerc’s brother:
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.”
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.”
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