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Leclerc takes Monaco pole despite crashing

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Charles Leclerc's crashed Ferrari being ferried off the Monaco track after he'd taken pole position.
Camera IconCharles Leclerc's crashed Ferrari being ferried off the Monaco track after he'd taken pole position. Credit: AP

Charles Leclerc has landed pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix despite crashing out with just 16 seconds remaining.

The Ferrari driver was leading the time charts on Saturday afternoon when he hit the barriers on the exit of the swimming pool chicane and the session was stopped and did not restart.

Leclerc sustained damage to the front and side of his Ferrari and it remains to be seen if he will start Sunday's race from the front.

Leclerc could face a grid penalty if certain parts of his car need to be changed.

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Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished second with Valtteri Bottas third for Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton was only seventh and it was also a disappointing day for Australia's Daniel Ricciardo, who qualified only in 12th in his McLaren, seven places behind his teammate Lando Norris.

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Leclerc's quick lap arrived as a timely boost to Ferrari with chairman John Elkann in Monte Carlo to watch the drama unfold.

The Italian team endured their worst campaign in 40 years last season but in the formative rounds of this year have shown encouraging signs of improvement.

However, Leclerc's eighth pole, Ferrari's first since the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix, still arrived as a shock with Verstappen expected to deliver for Red Bull.

Verstappen was on a lap to challenge Leclerc's time but the red flags following the Monegasque's accident ended his charge.

"It is a shame to finish in the wall," said Leclerc. "It doesn't feel the same, but I am incredibly happy with my first lap.

"I have mixed feelings because I don't know where I am starting. It depends on the damage of the car. I hope it is not damaged enough so we have to start at the back.

Carlos Sainz finished fourth in the other Ferrari.

Mick Schumacher did not take part in qualifying after he crashed out of final practice.

The rookie, son of seven-time world champion Michael, lost control of his Haas on the exit of Casino Square and slammed into the barriers in the closing minutes.

Schumacher, 22, sustained severe damage to the left-hand side of his car, and Haas were unable to repair his machine in time.

The young German, who will start Sunday's race at the back of the grid, appeared in tears as he was consoled by his team.

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