Charles Leclerc relying on 'special Daniel Ricciardo shock' to cause Italian GP upset

Charles Leclerc is hoping for a "special" Monza race to cause an Italian GP surprise, like Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.

The defending Monza winner starts fourth for the Scuderia, where he did one year ago when he made a one-stop strategy work to score a memorable victory. 

This year, he starts behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen, and McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with Ferrari third-best in terms of race pace.

However, in recent years, the Italian GP has thrown up odd races, such as Ricciardo's final F1 win in 2021 when he won after Verstappen landed on top of title rival Lewis Hamilton in a memorable collision. 

When questioned about his chances of a third Monza win, Leclerc appeared to rule it out unless a "special" Monza race developed.

"We are quite fast on the straights, so it should be an exciting race," Leclerc told media, including RacingNews365. 

"I think on pure pace, we don't have a chance. Unfortunately, McLaren and the Red Bull of Max were way too strong in terms of the race run.

"But with the start, with the top speed we have, we all believe in it, but it is going to be tough [to win]."

When then posed with Ricciardo's 2021 victory after Verstappen and Hamilton collided and Pierre Gasly's shock 2020 win, Leclerc vowed to fight until the end. 

"Yeah, there are some special races here," he said.

"So I'll believe in it until the end, and we will see what is possible, but on pure pace, I don't think it is possible."