Monaco may be drenched in heritage, but Thursday’s driver press conference offered a modern mix: red carpet movie reviews, quiet optimism, and a few firm reminders that for all its glamour, this place still punishes the unprepared.
From Ferrari’s street circuit concerns to Alpine’s strategy plays — and a surprise Hollywood cameo from Brad Pitt — Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Isack Hadjar each brought something different to the table.
🎬 Hollywood Hits the Grid
Fresh off a private screening of F1: The Movie, the drivers had front-row seats to Formula One’s biggest attempt yet to break into the mainstream.
Gasly was glowing: “I think for Formula 1, for the sport, it’s an amazing opportunity to dive into our world… Brad Pitt makes us all look very good.”
Leclerc offered the local’s perspective — appreciative but precise. “We always try and see the small details that aren’t exactly like real life… but the angles from the cars? Incredible.” The Ferrari driver was especially impressed by Pitt’s track time.
Hadjar, meanwhile, gave the straight rookie take: “It was weird watching a movie about F1… but probably the best way for new fans to get into the sport.”
🟥 Low-Speed Worries for the Home Hero
As for this weekend’s on-track action? Leclerc didn’t sugarcoat Ferrari’s Monaco prospects.
“If you want an honest answer, then low,” he said, when asked about repeating last year’s win. “Unfortunately our car hasn’t been strong in low-speed corners — and that’s all Monaco is.”
Still, he refused to rule out a twist. “In 2021, we were nowhere all season but put it on pole here. Sometimes you just go for it and something special happens.”
🟠 Hadjar’s Breakout Continues
At just 19 years old, Isack Hadjar is quickly making his mark on Formula 1. After a limited pre-season and little testing, the Red Bull junior has adapted with impressive speed.
“I had doubts at the start of the year,” he admitted. “I didn’t have much testing, so I was a bit worried — can I handle this car? Is it going to be too fast? But now I don’t have any doubts anymore.”
His comfort behind the wheel is translating into results — and confidence. “So far, it’s been going better than I anticipated. I can’t dream of a better start.”
Monaco holds particular meaning for Hadjar. It’s where he signed his Red Bull contract as a 16-year-old, and where his career started to shift gears.
“What I like about this track is it’s the best qualifying session of the year by far. That’s what I’m looking for.”
🟡 Gasly Sees Opportunity in the Unpredictable
Alpine’s season hasn’t exactly set the world alight, but Gasly knows Monaco offers something different.
“You feel like you can have a bigger impact as a driver here… It’s full of unknowns — but that’s where the chances are.” With five points finishes here already, the Frenchman fancies his chances.
And this year, the mandatory two-stop rule adds an extra twist to the tale — one Gasly welcomes.
“I always see things from the bright angle. So, I see opportunities. I see some unknowns, which we should embrace rather than be afraid of. At the end of the day, I’m not too sure anybody knows what this is going to do. It might not change much. I think what remains extremely important is qualifying. We know if you get it right in quali, you’ve done a big part of the job. But I’m sure it’s going to open up some potential strategy, which we’ll have to be on top of.”
In Monaco, that fine line between risk and reward just got a little thinner.
🔄 A Clash at Piratella — and a Calm Resolution
Naturally, last weekend’s incident between Leclerc and Gasly came up. But if there were any lingering tensions, they were quickly put to bed.
“We talked right after the race and again here,” Gasly said. “We’re friends off track, but we race hard — always have.”
Leclerc agreed. “We separate what happens on track and our relationship. There’s a lot of respect, always.”
⚽ Football, Fatigue & Fun in the Stade
Away from the circuit, all three drivers took part in the Nazionale Piloti charity football match. For Gasly, it was a dream throwback: “I love football. It reminded me of my childhood. It’s a great event for a great cause.”
Hadjar, on the other hand? “I’d never played 11-a-side before. It was hard. I realised my muscles aren’t made for this.”
Gasly’s review of his teammate? “Maybe not FC Versailles material — but great team spirit.”
🔧 What’s Next for Ferrari?
With upgrades trickling in and rule tweaks on the horizon, Leclerc isn’t giving up on 2025 just yet.
“We’ve got quite a few things in the pipeline. Whether it’s enough to close the gap… I’m not sure.” Barcelona’s upcoming front wing directive could be a key moment — but expectations remain cautious.
🌐 Online Abuse & the Need for Respect
Both Leclerc and Gasly also responded to a question about Mick Doohan receiving online abuse after a fake screenshot circulated online.
Leclerc was firm: “The most important thing in any situation is respect. Social media is more toxic than ever.”
Gasly echoed the sentiment: “There’s no space for abuse. Everyone in this paddock is human. That should come first.”
For a deeper look at their comments and the context behind the online backlash, read the full story here:
👉 Doohan’s Difficult Weekend – and a Stand from Leclerc & Gasly
🏁 Senna’s Shadow
It wouldn’t be Monaco without a tribute to Ayrton Senna — and each driver had their own perspective.
Hadjar paid homage with a specially-designed helmet. “There’s one king of Monte Carlo, and it’s Ayrton.”
Leclerc remembered his father sharing stories of Senna’s Monaco mastery.
Gasly? “Being French, I grew up hearing Prost-Senna stories. That rivalry shaped my love for racing.”
Up next? The streets come alive.
Leclerc may downplay Ferrari’s hopes, Gasly may see the upside, and Hadjar may keep outperforming — but when Monaco bites, it rarely lets go.