Charles Leclerc's Monaco 'detonation' unintentional - Toto Wolff

Leclerc, Ferrari, Monaco — Photo: © LAT Images

Monaco Grand Prix

Leclerc's Monaco 'detonation' unintentional - Wolff

Leclerc clinched pole at Monaco after crashing at the swimming pool

Ewan Gale

Saturday 22 May 2021 19:30 Updated: 19:38

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has rubbished suggestions that Charles Leclerc purposefully crashed during qualifying of the Monaco Grand Prix in order to cement pole position.

Leclerc was on provisional pole when collecting the inside barrier at the second part of the swimming pool complex, sending his car spearing into an outside rail.

The incident brought out the red flags and prevented Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Valtteri Bottas from vying for pole.

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In 2006, Michael Schumacher famously 'parked' at La Rascasse in an attempt to keep pole position whilst Nico Rosberg's error at Mirabeau prevented Lewis Hamilton from challenging in 2014.

"I think that like all the incidents we have seen in the past in Monaco, only the driver will ever know what exactly happened," said Wolff.

"In that case, I doubt Charles would make himself detonate in the rail which could cause even more damage to his car and gearbox damage is possible. We think we probably wouldn't have had [pole] but it is what it is."

Ferrari sweating on Leclerc gearbox

If Leclerc escapes a gearbox change and subsequent penalty, it will be Ferrari's first pole position since the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix.

It would also mark the first time a Monégasque driver will start on pole in front of home fans since Louis Chiron in 1936.

"It is certainly a good story that Charles is on pole in Monaco," Wolff added. "By any means, I don't think Charles put it in the wall today because there is just too much at stake.

"I don't think you put your car in the wall like this."