A frame during the raceAnadolu Ajansı)

Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc (born 16 October 1997 in Monte Carlo) is a Monégasque Formula 1 driver racing for Scuderia Ferrari. He is the first driver to graduate from the Ferrari Driver Academy and move directly into a Formula 1 seat with Scuderia Ferrari.

Early Life and Family

Charles Leclerc was born on 16 October 1997 in Monaco as the middle son of Hervé and Pascale Leclerc. He has two older brothers: Lorenzo and Arthur. His passion for racing stems from his father Hervé Leclerc, who competed in Formula 3 during the 1980s and 1990s. Although he grew up in Monaco, he did not come from a wealthy family.

Career

Karting and Junior Categories

Leclerc began his racing career in karting in 2005 and achieved significant success early on. In 2010 he became the youngest winner of the Monaco Kart Cup and in 2011 he won both the CIK-FIA Academy Cup and the CIK-FIA World Cup. He rapidly progressed through single-seater categories, securing back-to-back championships in the GP3 Series and the FIA Formula 2 Championship. These achievements generated high expectations for him in the Formula 1 paddock.

Formula 1 Career

Sauber and Early Years (2018)

Leclerc made his Formula 1 debut at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix with the Sauber team. He impressed with performances exceeding the car’s potential during his debut season and moved to Ferrari after just one year.

Scuderia Ferrari Era (2019–2024)

In the 2019 season, Leclerc joined Ferrari and marked the team’s most important victories of the year by winning the Belgian and Italian (Monza) Grand Prix races. He outscored his teammate Sebastian Vettel and stood out particularly for his pace in qualifying sessions.

The 2020 and 2021 seasons are remembered as years of performance struggles for Ferrari. In 2020 the team recorded its worst performance in 40 years, yet Leclerc alone scored 98 of the team’s total 131 points. He began the 2022 season strongly by winning two of the first three races and entering the championship battle, but ultimately finished second in the Drivers’ Championship behind Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

In the 2024 season, alongside teammate Carlos Sainz, Leclerc secured five victories, helping Ferrari finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.

2025 Season

In the 2025 season, Leclerc became teammate to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The SF-25 car used throughout the season was described as difficult to drive and failed to contend for the championship. Leclerc finished the season with seven podiums and fifth place in the Drivers’ Championship. Ferrari ended the season in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Leclerc has renewed his contract with the team for the 2026 season.

As of the end of the 2025 season, Leclerc has competed in over 170 Grand Prix races, achieving eight wins, 50 podiums and 27 pole positions. He reached his 150th race with Ferrari, marking a significant milestone in the team’s history.

Personal Life and Initiatives

Leclerc is known for his emphasis on physical and mental recovery. At the start of 2025, he became a brand ambassador for Eight Sleep, a sleep technology company, following an investment in the firm. His brother Arthur Leclerc is also active in the motorsport world.