Charles Leclerc has emerged as one of Formula 1’s most exciting talents, captivating fans with his skill, determination, and charm. Driving for Scuderia Ferrari, the Monégasque racer has already left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond his on-track achievements, Leclerc’s life is filled with intriguing stories and unique traits that make him a standout figure in motorsport.
Here are seven fascinating facts about Leclerc that highlight his journey, personality, and legacy.
1. A racing legacy rooted in family and mentorship
Leclerc was born on October 16, 1997, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, into a family with deep ties to motorsport. His father, Hervé Leclerc, was a racing driver who competed in Formula 3 during the 1980s and 1990s, instilling a passion for racing in his son from an early age. However, it was not just his father who shaped his career. Leclerc’s godfather, Jules Bianchi, a promising Formula 1 driver, played a pivotal role as a mentor and inspiration. Leclerc began karting at a track managed by Bianchi’s father, and Jules often stepped in as his mechanic during his early races. Tragically, Bianchi passed away in 2015 due to injuries sustained in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, and Leclerc has since dedicated much of his success to his late godfather and father, who passed away in 2017.
2. A dominant rise through the junior ranks
Leclerc’s journey to Formula 1 is a testament to his exceptional talent. Before stepping into an F1 car, he dominated the junior racing categories with remarkable consistency. In 2016, he won the GP3 Series championship in his rookie season, showcasing his ability to adapt quickly and perform under pressure. The following year, in 2017, he claimed the FIA Formula 2 Championship title in his debut season, winning seven races and securing a record eight pole positions. This achievement placed him among an elite group of drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who won the F2 (or its predecessor, GP2) title in their first attempt.
3. The significance of his racing number
Every Formula 1 driver’s racing number carries a story, and Leclerc’s choice of number 16 is no exception. Initially, Leclerc wanted to race with number 7, his favorite number, which he used throughout his junior career. He has explained that 7 holds personal significance because it is the sum of the digits in his birth date (1 + 6 = 7 from October 16). However, when he entered Formula 1 in 2018 with Sauber, number 7 was already taken by Kimi Räikkönen, and his second choice, number 10, was claimed by Pierre Gasly. As a result, Leclerc settled on number 16, which aligns with his birth date and still adds up to his lucky number 7.
4. A historic victory in Monaco
One of Leclerc’s most celebrated achievements came on May 29, 2024, when he won the Monaco Grand Prix, his home race, for the first time. Starting from pole position, Leclerc delivered a flawless performance, becoming the first Monégasque driver to win the prestigious event in the Formula 1 World Championship era. The victory was especially meaningful given his previous struggles at the Monaco circuit, where mechanical issues and strategic missteps had thwarted his chances in prior years. Leclerc’s triumph echoed the feat of Louis Chiron, the last Monégasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix in 1931, before the F1 championship began.
5. A multifaceted talent beyond racing
Leclerc’s talents extend far beyond the racetrack. He is a trilingual individual, fluent in French, English, and Italian, a skill honed through his international racing career and his time with Ferrari. Additionally, Leclerc has a passion for music and has explored this interest creatively. In April 2023, he released a piano-composed single titled “AUS23 (1:1),” inspired by the Australian Grand Prix, which climbed to number 6 on the iTunes charts. This foray into music highlights his artistic side and adds another layer to his public persona. Leclerc also has interests in architecture and fashion, and in 2024, he served as a torchbearer for the Monégasque leg of the Paris Summer Olympics, alongside his girlfriend, Alexandra Saint Mleux, and other notable figures.
6. Overcoming personal tragedy
Leclerc’s path to success has been marked by profound personal challenges. In June 2017, just four days before he won the feature race at the Formula 2 round in Baku, his father, Hervé, passed away after a long illness at the age of 54. Despite this devastating loss, Leclerc channeled his grief into a determined performance, winning the race and later dedicating his F2 championship title to his father. Earlier, in 2015, he had lost his godfather, Jules Bianchi, another blow that tested his resilience. Leclerc has spoken openly about how these tragedies have shaped him, strengthening his mental fortitude and driving him to honor their legacies through his racing achievements.
7. A key figure in Ferrari’s future
Since joining Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc has become the cornerstone of the team’s ambitions to return to championship glory. His debut season with the Scuderia saw him secure two victories—at Spa and Monza—outperforming his more experienced teammate, Sebastian Vettel, and establishing himself as a leader within the team. In early 2024, Leclerc extended his contract with Ferrari beyond the 2026 regulation changes, signaling his long-term commitment to the iconic team. Despite facing challenges with inconsistent car performance, Leclerc has consistently demonstrated his pace, particularly in qualifying, where he has amassed 25 pole positions as of the 2024 season.