Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc, born on 16 October 1997 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, embarked on his racing journey at a young age. Leclerc’s passion for racing was evident from his early years, beginning his karting career in 2005. He quickly demonstrated his prowess, winning the French PACA Championship multiple times and securing the French Cadet championship in 2009. His ascent in the racing world continued as he moved up to the KF3 class in 2010, where he won the Junior Monaco Kart Cup. Leclerc’s talent was further recognized when he became a member of Nicolas Todt’s All Road Management company. Progressing through various karting championships, he achieved significant success, including winning the CIK-FIA KF3 World Cup and the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. In 2014, Leclerc graduated to single-seaters, competing in the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps championship and showcasing his potential with multiple podium finishes.
Major Successes and Highlights
Charles Leclerc’s ascent in motorsports reached new heights with his entry into Formula One. He made his F1 debut in 2018 with Sauber, a team affiliated with Ferrari, and quickly made his mark by improving the team’s Constructors’ Championship position. The following year, he joined Ferrari and became the second-youngest driver to qualify on pole position in F1 at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix. His first career win came at the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix, followed by another victory at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix. Leclerc’s talent was further recognized with the FIA Pole Trophy for the most pole positions in 2019 and 2022. He finished as the runner-up to Max Verstappen in the 2022 World Drivers’ Championship, solidifying his status as a top contender in the sport. Leclerc’s career in F1 has been marked by 5 race wins, 23 pole positions, and a grand slam at the 2022 Australian Grand Prix.
Life and Legacy
Off the track, Charles Leclerc’s life has been as eventful as his racing career. Born to Hervé Leclerc, who also raced cars in Formula 3, and Pascale, Charles grew up in a family passionate about motorsports. His personal life has been touched by tragedy, with the loss of his father and his close relationship with the late Jules Bianchi, a fellow racer. Leclerc’s brother, Arthur, currently competes in Formula 2, continuing the family’s racing legacy. Fluent in French, Italian, and English, Leclerc has a global appeal and is known for his versatility both on and off the track. His religious views are moderate, believing in God but not practicing religion fervently. As of now, Leclerc is set to remain with Ferrari until at least the end of the 2024 season, indicating his continued commitment to achieving further success in Formula One.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Sauber | Sauber C37 | Ferrari | 13th | 39 |
| 2019 | Ferrari | Ferrari SF90 | Ferrari | 4th | 264 |
| 2020 | Ferrari | Ferrari SF1000 | Ferrari | 8th | 98 |
| 2021 | Ferrari | Ferrari SF21 | Ferrari | 7th | 159 |
| 2022 | Ferrari | Ferrari F1-75 | Ferrari | 2nd | 308 |
| 2023 | Ferrari | Ferrari | Ferrari | 5th | 206 |