Charles Leclerc makes Ferrari demand after shock turnaround

Charles Leclerc has demanded that Ferrari take its stunning Friday with caution ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, with it being a renowned unusual day in Formula 1. 

Despite recent poor form, Leclerc remarkably topped both practice sessions on the opening day at the Circuit de Monaco. 

The Monegasque boasted excellent pace on all tyre compounds, as did team-mate Lewis Hamilton in third. It was Ferrari's best day of the season, despite an early FP1 collision between Leclerc and Lance Stroll.

Ahead of the weekend, Leclerc was downbeat about the Maranello-based team's chances; however, he is still not getting too excited by his Friday pace.

"Maybe a bit less convinced [we won't perform], but, yeah, let's say I'm not convinced the other way either," said Leclerc. "I think for now, a Friday in Monaco is always very special, very specific. 

"I think everybody's taking a bit their reference. So it's too early to feel very positive about the weekend, but let's say that the Friday has been very positive for us. 

"I've been feeling pretty good with the car. It hasn't started the way I wanted with a crash with Lance, but after that, it's been pretty smooth, and I'm happy overall with the car."

As mentioned, it was on all tyre compounds in which Leclerc had strong pace, with only Oscar Piastri and Leclerc having been within three-tenths of the driver.

"Yeah, the one lap pace was strong," added Leclerc. "And yeah, as I said, whatever compound we were on, I was feeling quite comfortable, and the lap time was coming pretty quickly, so that's always a good sign. 

"Qualifying is going to be fundamental around here, and we've got to be starting in front if we want to hope for a good result."