Charles Leclerc has confessed he was struggling to see as he beat Oscar Piastri to win the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 26-year-old has had to be patient so far this season, with Max Verstappen typically stealing the show.
But Leclerc managed to finish ahead of both Piastri and team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr to win the big event in France.
The Monegasque driver has admitted his vision was impaired towards the end of the race as he narrowly got over the line.
Charles Leclerc has confessed he was struggling to see as he won the Monaco Grand Prix
REUTERS
"Two laps before the end I was struggling to see," he said.
And Leclerc, who fought back tears after his triumph, has admitted the victory 'means a lot'.
"No words can explain that," he told Sky Sports.
"It's such a difficult race, I think the fact twice I've been starting on pole position and we couldn't quite make it makes it even better in a way.
"It means a lot, obviously. It's the race which made me dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver one day.
"Fifteen laps to the end you're hoping nothing happens and the emotions are coming.
"My dad has given everything for me to be here and it was a dream of ours for me to race here and win here, so it's unbelievable."
Piastri performed well in Monaco, with the 23-year-old making it a positive day at the office for McLaren.
And the Australian congratulated Leclerc in the aftermath of his win, saying the Ferrari star had been 'mega' over the past few days.
"Tricky race. The pace at the beginning was incredibly slow," he said.
"I had one little half look before the tunnel but didn't have a small enough car to fit into the gap!
"Thanks to the team. It's been a great weekend all-round. Nice to put a result on the board.
"I've been strong the last few weekends but didn't have the result to show for it. Nice to have a podium.
"Charles has been mega all weekend. They have been quick from the very first lap.
"I'm happy with P2. A good result for the team. Very, very happy."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Charles Leclerc was congratulated by Oscar Piastri after winning the Monaco Grand Prix
REUTERS
And Sainz was thrilled at being able to share a podium with Leclerc - while also warning Ferrari's rivals that the team seem to be growing in strength.
"It was a tight one and a very bad feeling in lap one which very quickly turned into a really good feeling after getting reinstated in P3," he said.
"From thereon really, the race pace was good as we expect, it's just impossible to get past on the streets of Monaco.
"But I'm incredibly happy to see Charles win on his home Grand Prix.
"To be able to share this podium with him in P3 is great for the whole team, and it feels like we're getting stronger and stronger."
Charles Leclerc is on top of the world after securing victory at the Monaco Grand Prix
REUTERS
The next race of the season is the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9.
Verstappen will be hoping to make it a hat-trick at the event, having previously reigned supreme in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
