Charles Leclerc facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Leclerc
Leclerc at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix
Born	Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc (1997-10-16) 16 October 1997 (age 27) Monte Carlo, Monaco
Relatives	Arthur Leclerc (brother) Jules Bianchi (godfather)
Awards	Full list
Formula One World Championship career
Nationality	Monégasque
Car number	16
Entries	154 (152 starts)
Championships	0
Wins	8
Podiums	44
Career points	1477
Pole positions	26
Fastest laps	10
First entry	2018 Australian Grand Prix
First win	2019 Belgian Grand Prix
Last win	2024 United States Grand Prix
Last entry	2019 Monaco Grand Prix
2024 position	3rd (356 pts)
Previous series
2017 2016 2015 2014 2014	FIA Formula 2 GP3 Series FIA F3 European Formula Renault Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Alps
Championship titles
2017 2016	FIA Formula 2 GP3 Series
Signature

Charles Leclerc (born 16 October 1997) is a professional racing driver from Monaco. He competes in Formula One for the famous Ferrari team. In 2022, Leclerc finished second in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship. He has won eight Grand Prix races during his eight seasons in Formula One.

Born and raised in Monte Carlo, Charles started kart racing at age seven. He had a very successful karting career. He won the junior direct-drive Karting World Cup in 2011. After karting, he moved up to junior racing series. He finished second in the Alps Series in 2014. In 2015, he raced in FIA European Formula 3, winning several races. He won his first championship in the 2016 GP3 Series with ART. Then, he won the first-ever FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017 with Prema. He was one of only four drivers to win this championship in their first season.

Leclerc joined Formula One in 2018 with the Sauber team. He was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. He scored points in several races that year. In 2019, he moved to Ferrari to race alongside Sebastian Vettel. He became the second-youngest driver to get a pole position in Formula One at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Leclerc won his first Formula One race in Belgium. He then won the Italian Grand Prix Grand Prix, which was Ferrari's first win there in nine years. Italian media nicknamed him "il Predestinato" (meaning "the Predestined").

After two years without wins for Ferrari in 2020 and 2021, Leclerc won several races in 2022. He finished second in the World Drivers' Championship that year, behind Max Verstappen. In 2023, he got five pole positions and six podium finishes. In 2024, Leclerc won his home race, the Monaco Grand Prix Grand Prix. He was the first Monégasque driver to win it in 93 years. He also won races in Italy and the United States. He finished third in the championship.

As of the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Leclerc has eight race wins, 26 pole positions, 10 fastest laps, and 44 podiums in Formula One. He will stay with Ferrari until at least the end of the 2026 season. Outside of racing, Leclerc worked with pianist Sofiane Pamart on an extended play called Dreamers (2024). It reached number two on the Billboard Classical Albums chart.

Early Life and Family

Leclerc (left) with his mother, Pascale, after winning the 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship

Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc was born in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on 16 October 1997. His father, Hervé Leclerc, was also a racing driver. He competed in Formula Three in the 1980s and 1990s. His mother, Pascale Leclerc, used to be a hairdresser. Charles's maternal grandfather helped with some costs during his karting career. Leclerc went to school at Lycée Albert Premier in Monaco-Ville.

Charles's father passed away in 2017 after a long illness. This happened just before Charles won a race in Baku. Before his father's passing, Charles told him he had signed a Formula One contract for 2018. He later signed with Sauber that year. Charles's older half-brother, Lorenzo, was best friends with Jules Bianchi. Bianchi was Charles's godfather and also his mechanic in kart racing. Sadly, Bianchi passed away in 2015. Charles's younger brother, Arthur, is also a racing driver. He won the Formula Regional Asian Championship in 2022.

Junior Racing Career

Karting (2005–2013)

Charles started karting at age five at a track owned by Jules Bianchi's father. He began racing competitively in 2005. He won the regional PACA championship in the Mini class twice. In 2009, he won the French Championship and the Bridgestone Cup in the Cadet class. That year, Richard Mille started supporting him.

In 2010, Leclerc began competing internationally. He became the youngest winner of the CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup. In 2011, Nicolas Todt noticed him and signed him to his management company. That year, Leclerc won the Karting World Cup at Sarno. He also won the Academy Trophy.

Leclerc (right) won several senior titles with ART Grand Prix, amidst a rivalry with Max Verstappen (left).

In 2012, Leclerc moved to the senior KF2 category with ART Grand Prix. He won the WSK Euro Series. He also finished second in the Karting European Championship. He had a rivalry with Max Verstappen during this time. In 2013, at age 15, Leclerc moved to the KZ senior class. He won the South Garda Winter Cup. He finished second to Verstappen in the KZ World Championship. Leclerc said their many battles helped him gain experience.

Formula Renault 2.0 (2014)

In 2014, Leclerc started racing in junior formulae with Fortec. He was 16 years old. In the Alps Series, he got his first podium at Pau. He then won his first two races at Monza. He finished second overall in the series to Nyck de Vries. Leclerc also raced in some rounds of the Eurocup. He got three podiums in six races.

Formula Three (2015)

Leclerc progressed to FIA European Formula 3 in 2015, winning several races and finishing second at the Macau Grand Prix.

Leclerc moved to Formula Three in 2015 with Van Amersfoort Racing. He won his first race at Silverstone. He also won two more races at Hockenheimring and Spa-Francorchamps. He even led the championship for a while. He finished fourth overall in his first season. He won the rookies' championship. After this, he finished second at the Macau Grand Prix.

GP3 Series (2016)

In December 2015, Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. He then signed with ART for the 2016 GP3 Series. He won his first race in Catalunya. He also won from pole position at the Red Bull Ring and Spa-Francorchamps. Leclerc won the GP3 title in the final race at Yas Marina. He dedicated the title to his godfather, Jules Bianchi. He said this season taught him how to handle pressure.

FIA Formula 2 (2017)

Leclerc (pictured at Monza) graduated to FIA Formula 2 with Prema in 2017.

After winning GP3, Leclerc moved to FIA Formula 2 with Prema in 2017. He took pole position in his first race in Bahrain. He then won the sprint race by making a rare mid-race pit stop and overtaking many cars. He won again from pole in Barcelona. He dedicated his pole position in Baku to his father, who had recently passed away. He won that race too.

Leclerc dominated F2 in his rookie season, taking a joint-record seven victories and clinching the championship in Jerez, aged 19.

Leclerc continued to dominate. He took a record-equalling six straight pole positions at Silverstone and won the race. He won the championship in Jerez, becoming the youngest GP2/Formula 2 champion at 19 years old. He won a record-equalling seventh race at the final round in Abu Dhabi. Leclerc was named FIA Rookie of the Year for his amazing season.

Formula One Career

Leclerc (left) joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016, completing four free practice sessions with Haas.

In 2016, Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. He also became a development driver for Haas and Ferrari. He drove in practice sessions for Haas at several Grand Prix weekends. He also tested for Ferrari.

Leclerc completed four sessions with Sauber in 2017, as well as the mid-season test with Ferrari.

In 2017, Leclerc took part in a mid-season test with Ferrari. Kimi Räikkönen, a famous F1 driver, praised his performance. Leclerc also drove in practice sessions for Sauber before signing with them for 2018.

Sauber (2018)

Leclerc (pictured at the Chinese Grand Prix) debuted in Formula One with Sauber in 2018.

Leclerc became a full-time Formula One driver with Sauber in 2018. He was the first Monégasque driver in F1 since 1994. He scored his first F1 points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Grand Prix. This made him the first Monégasque driver to score points since 1950. He had some crashes and retirements that year. However, he finished 13th in the championship. He scored 39 points, much more than his teammate. He was again named FIA Rookie of the Year.

Ferrari (2019–present)

2019: First Wins and "Il Predestinato"

Leclerc moved to Ferrari in 2019, his second season in Formula One.

Leclerc moved to Ferrari in 2019. He became teammates with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. At the Bahrain Grand Prix Grand Prix, he got his first pole position. He led most of the race but finished third due to an engine problem. He got his first F1 win at the Belgian Grand Prix Grand Prix. He was the third-youngest F1 winner at 21 years old. He dedicated this win to Anthoine Hubert, a young driver who had passed away.

Leclerc (right) won the Italian Grand Prix amidst a battle with Lewis Hamilton (left), which saw him nicknamed il Predestinato in Italian media.

Leclerc then won the Italian Grand Prix Grand Prix from pole position. He defended his lead from both Mercedes drivers. This was Ferrari's first win at Monza since 2010. After these wins, Italian media called him il Predestinato (the Predestined). He finished fourth in the World Drivers' Championship with 264 points. He won the FIA Pole Trophy for having the most pole positions (seven).

2020–2021: Tough Seasons for Ferrari

Leclerc (pictured at pre-season testing) achieved two podiums in 2020, driving the SF1000.

The 2020 season was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ferrari struggled with their car, the SF1000. Leclerc finished second at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix Grand Prix. He also got a podium at the British Grand Prix Grand Prix. He finished eighth in the championship with 98 points. Ferrari finished sixth in the Constructors' Championship, their lowest since 1980.

Leclerc (pictured at the British Grand Prix) qualified on pole position at the Monaco and Azerbaijan Grands Prix in 2021.

In 2021, Carlos Sainz Jr. became Leclerc's teammate. Leclerc got pole position at his home race in Monaco. However, he could not start the race due to a car problem. He got another pole in Azerbaijan but finished fourth. His only podium of the season was a second-place finish at the British Grand Prix Grand Prix. He finished seventh in the championship. This was the first time a teammate outscored him in his racing career.

2022: Fighting for the Title

In 2022, Leclerc achieved his maiden career grand slam at the Australian Grand Prix (pictured) and led the championship until his retirement at the Spanish Grand Prix.

New rules in 2022 helped Ferrari challenge Red Bull. Leclerc won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix Grand Prix from pole position. This was Ferrari's first win since 2019. He became the first Monégasque driver to lead the World Drivers' Championship. He won again at the Australian Grand Prix Grand Prix, achieving his first grand slam. This means he took pole, led every lap, set the fastest lap, and won the race.

Leclerc (pictured at the Austrian Grand Prix) achieved three victories as he finished runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship to Max Verstappen.

Leclerc had some bad luck with car problems and strategy mistakes. He retired from the lead in Spain and Azerbaijan due to engine issues. He won the Austrian Grand Prix Grand Prix after a battle with Verstappen. However, Red Bull became stronger in the second half of the season. Leclerc finished second in the World Drivers' Championship with 308 points. He had nine pole positions and three wins that year.

2023–2024: First Monaco Grand Prix Victory

Leclerc (pictured at the Austrian Grand Prix) achieved five pole positions and six podium finishes in 2023.

Ferrari struggled with their car's performance in 2023. Leclerc had some tough races early on. He took pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Grand Prix and finished third. He also got pole at the Austrian Grand Prix Grand Prix, finishing second. He had five pole positions and six podiums in total. He finished fifth in the championship with 206 points.

Leclerc (pictured at the Dutch Grand Prix) won three Grands Prix from 13 podiums in 2024, including the Monaco Grand Prix.

Before the 2024 season, Leclerc extended his contract with Ferrari. He achieved a second-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix Grand Prix. Then, he won his home race, the Monaco Grand Prix Grand Prix, from pole position. This was a very special moment for him. He became the first Monégasque driver to win the event since 1931. He also won the Italian Grand Prix Grand Prix and the United States Grand Prix Grand Prix. Leclerc finished third in the championship with 356 points. He had three wins and 13 podiums.

2025: Teaming with Hamilton

For 2025, Leclerc will be teammates with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc has said he is ready to win the championship.

Driver Profile

Qualifying Speed

Leclerc is known for his amazing speed in qualifying. He holds the record for most pole positions without a World Championship (26). He also holds the record for most pole positions in a single season in FIA Formula 2 (8). His driving style helps him take corners very fast. He won the FIA Pole Trophy in 2019 and also had the most poles in 2022. Experts say he can make his car go faster than it should in qualifying. A study in 2020 listed Leclerc as the seventh-fastest Formula One driver of all time.

His teammate, Carlos Sainz Jr., has called Leclerc the best qualifier in Formula One. Many experts praise his ability to push the car to its limits. Karun Chandhok even called him the fastest qualifier of all time.

Race Skills

Leclerc (back) racing against Lewis Hamilton (front) at the 2022 British Grand Prix

Leclerc is also good at racing wheel-to-wheel with other drivers. After a tough battle with Max Verstappen in 2019, Leclerc said it was the "most fun" he had in F1. He was nicknamed il Predestinato after defending his lead at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix from Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. He was praised for his battle with Verstappen at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. He also got praise for his tyre management at the Italian Grand Prix Grand Prix.

However, Leclerc has also made some mistakes in races. He has had crashes that ended his races. He was also penalized for causing a collision with Verstappen in 2019.

Helmet Design

Leclerc's 2020 helmet design featured the flag of Monaco surrounded by his logo in rosso corsa.

Leclerc's helmet is mostly red, with a Monégasque flag stripe. The words "Papa" and "Jules" are on the side. These are to remember his father, Hervé Leclerc, and his godfather, Jules Bianchi. He sometimes wears special tribute helmets. For example, he wore one for Bianchi at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.

Other Activities

Film and Music

Leclerc with a fan at the 2018 British Grand Prix

Leclerc appeared in a short film called Le Grand Rendez-vous (2020). He drove a Ferrari around the Circuit de Monaco. He also did voice acting for the Italian version of the Pixar movie Lightyear (2022). In 2024, he was in a documentary where he tried aerobatics with the French Air Force.

Leclerc before the 2022 French Grand Prix

Leclerc started playing the piano at age six. In 2023, he released his first piano song, "AUS23 (1:1)". He released more songs named after Grand Prix races. In 2024, he released an extended play called Dreamers with pianist Sofiane Pamart. It was very popular on classical music charts. He said music is what he loves when he's not racing.

Endorsements and Charity

Leclerc (pictured in 2020) has been partnered with Richard Mille since 2009.

Leclerc has worked with Richard Mille, a luxury watch company, since 2009. He also has partnerships with other brands like Giorgio Armani and Puma. In 2019, he launched his own go-kart brand. In 2024, he launched his own ice cream brand called LEC.

Leclerc is an ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. He helps promote learning to swim. In 2020, he won a racing game championship and raised over $70,000 for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. He also helped the Red Cross of Monaco during the pandemic. In 2023, he auctioned his racing gear to raise money for flood victims. His helmet sold for a record €306,000.

Personal Life

Leclerc driving the Ferrari 375 F1 at the 2021 British Grand Prix

Leclerc speaks three languages: French, Italian, and English. He enjoys architecture, music, and fashion. His racing number is 16. He chose it because the numbers add up to his lucky number, seven. It is also his birth date.

From 2019 to 2022, he was in a relationship with Charlotte Siné. Since 2023, he has been with Alexandra Saint Mleux. In 2024, he was a torchbearer for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Monaco. He owns several Ferrari cars, including special custom versions.

Awards and Honours

Leclerc's Grand Prix-winning cars from top-to-bottom: SF90 (2019), F1-75 (2022) and SF-24 (2024)

Formula One

• Formula One World Drivers' Championship runner-up: 2022
• FIA Pole Trophy: 2019
• FIA Rookie of the Year: 2018
• Lorenzo Bandini Trophy: 2020
• Overtake Award: 2023

Other Awards

• FIA Rookie of the Year: 2017
• Autosport Awards Rookie of the Year: 2017, 2018
• Confartigianato Motori Driver of the Year: 2020
• Confartigianato Motori Best Young Driver: 2018

Orders and Special Awards

•  Monaco
  • Medal of Honour (2020)

Karting Record

Karting Career Summary

Racing Record

Racing Career Summary

^† As Leclerc was a guest driver, he was ineligible for championship points.

Complete Formula One Results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance. Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

Images for kids

• 2017 Monza Formula 2 round

  Leclerc looking out of his Dallara GP2/11 with his visor raised before the 2017 Monza Formula 2 round

• 2017 Jerez Formula 2 round

  Charles Leclerc crossing the start/finish line during the 2017 Jerez Formula 2 round

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  Leclerc driving the Sauber C37 at the 2018 Chinese Grand Prix

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  Leclerc driving the Ferrari SF90 at 2019 Formula One pre-season testing

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  Leclerc racing against Lewis Hamilton at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix

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  Leclerc parked in the pit lane, with mechanics putting tyre blankets on his Ferrari SF1000 at 2020 Formula One pre-season testing

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  Leclerc driving the Ferrari SF21 at the 2021 British Grand Prix

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  Leclerc driving the Ferrari F1-75 at the 2022 Australian Grand Prix

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  Leclerc lifting his trophy on the podium after winning the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix

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  Leclerc driving the Ferrari SF-23 at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix

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  Leclerc driving the Ferrari SF-24 at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix

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  Leclerc's 2020 helmet design featured the flag of Monaco surrounded by his logo in rosso corsa

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  Leclerc sitting on the back of a black convertible before the 2022 French Grand Prix

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  Leclerc wearing a Ferrari polo shirt and Richard Mille watch, standing with his arms folded in front of a bookshelf

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  Leclerc driving the Ferrari 375 F1 at the 2021 British Grand Prix

See also

In Spanish: Charles Leclerc para niños