Piastri clouts barrier in Monaco as Leclerc sets pace
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Australia’s world championship leader Oscar Piastri has crashed into the barriers during practice for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, leaving local hero Charles Leclerc to take full advantage.
Leclerc also encountered problems but emerged quickest in both practice sessions at the famous street circuit but Piastri fell victim to its tortuous turns.
The Australian, who has a 13-point lead over McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the standings, made a rare mistake as he locked up on the way into turn one in Friday’s second session and lost his front wing at Saint-Devote.
After a visit to the pits, Piastri was able to continue but could not topple Monegasque Leclerc, who was 0.038 seconds ahead at the top of the charts.
Monaco master Leclerc, 27, who has claimed three of the last four pole positions on the streets he grew up on, banished his own fears that Ferrari would struggle around the slow-speed corners of Monte Carlo.
It was a morale-boosting session for the Scuderia, having struggled for one-lap pace all season, as Lewis Hamilton ended the day third-fastest and only a tenth off the pace.
Norris was fourth, ahead of Racing Bulls pair Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar – the Frenchman recovering after losing his rear tyre when crashing on entry to the Nouvelle Chicane.
Max Verstappen, whose victory at Imola last weekend pulled him within 22 points of leader Piastri, was only 10th fastest and also had a trip into the run-off area at Mirabeau as he struggled to unlock performance from his Red Bull.
Mercedes also struggled, with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell ending the day ninth and 12th respectively.
Last year’s winner Leclerc had earlier enjoyed an eventful return to his hometown as he collided with Lance Stroll before setting the pace in first practice.
Leclerc sparked jubilation in the principality 12 months ago when he banished years of near misses to clinch his first home victory.
Less than three minutes into Friday’s opening running, Leclerc locked up and had to take to the run-off area at Mirabeau.
Worse was to come a few minutes later as he charged towards the famous hairpin but Stroll pulled into his path and Leclerc lost his front wing as he ran into the back of the Aston Martin.
Team radio revealed that Stroll, who was not on a fast lap, was told Leclerc was approaching but the Canadian said: “I didn’t hear you.”
Stroll sustained damage to his rear suspension and his session was over as Aston Martin changed his gearbox. He was later given a one-place grid penalty by the stewards.
PA
