Charles Leclerc

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Leclerc's path to Formula One began with karting at age five, racing at Brignoles—a circuit owned by Jules Bianchi's father. He won the regional PACA championship in the Mini class in 2005 with 15 wins from 18 races, and successfully defended it in 2006. Progressing through the ranks, he became the youngest winner of the CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup in 2010. He was scouted by Nicolas Todt in 2011, joining All Road Management upon recommendation from Bianchi. That year, he won the World Cup at Sarno, which he later described as "by far [his] best karting race ever". In senior KF2 in 2012 with ART Grand Prix, he won the WSK Euro Series and finished runner-up on his European Championship debut amidst a title battle with Max Verstappen and Ben Barnicoat. In 2013, in KZ senior gearbox class, he finished runner-up to Verstappen at the World Championship at Varennes-sur-Allier. Leclerc graduated to Formula Renault 2.0 in 2014 with Fortec, finishing runner-up to Nyck de Vries in the Alps Series and beating Matevos Isaakyan to the rookies' championship. He moved to FIA European Formula 3 in 2015 with Van Amersfoort Racing, winning four races and 13 podiums, clinching the rookies' championship and finishing fourth overall. He won the GP3 Series in 2016 with ART, then won the inaugural FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017 with Prema, becoming the fourth driver to win the GP2/F2 championship in their rookie season and breaking several records. His father Hervé died after a long illness, aged 54, four days before Leclerc won the feature race at the 2017 Baku Formula 2 round. Prior to his death, Leclerc lied to his father that he had signed a Formula One contract for the 2018 season; he signed with Sauber later that year.

In Their Own Story

The 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix. Leclerc, in only his second race for Ferrari, put his car on pole position, becoming the second-youngest polesitter in Formula One history. He led the race until an engine issue cost him the win, but the statement was made. Later that season, at Spa-Francorchamps, he took his maiden career victory. Then came Monza, where he ended Ferrari's record nine-year drought at the Italian Grand Prix, a win that earned him the nickname "il Predestinato" in Italian media. After winless seasons in 2020 and 2021, Leclerc returned to form in 2022, taking several victories and finishing runner-up to Max Verstappen in the World Drivers' Championship. In 2024, he won the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the first Monégasque driver to win the race in 93 years; he achieved further victories in Italy and the United States as he finished third in the championship. Partnered by Lewis Hamilton from 2025 onwards, he returned to victory in Britain following new regulations in 2026. As of the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, Leclerc has achieved nine race wins, 12 fastest laps, and 54 podiums in Formula One; he also holds the record for the most pole positions without a World Drivers' Championship (27). Leclerc is contracted to remain at Ferrari until at least the end of the 2028 season.

Reader's Guide

Charles Leclerc's Formula One career is defined by his association with the Ferrari Driver Academy and his race seats at Sauber (2018) and Ferrari (2019–present). He has never driven for the Haas F1 Team. His debut season in 2018 with Sauber saw him score several points finishes in the C37. He joined Ferrari for 2019 to partner Sebastian Vettel. His 2022 campaign saw him finish runner-up to Max Verstappen in the World Drivers' Championship. In 2023, he achieved five pole positions and six podiums. In 2024, he won the Monaco Grand Prix, the Italian Grand Prix, and the United States Grand Prix, finishing third in the championship. From 2025 onwards, he is partnered by Lewis Hamilton. He holds the record for the most pole positions without a World Drivers' Championship (27). Outside of motor racing, Leclerc collaborated with pianist Sofiane Pamart on an extended play, Dreamers (2024), which peaked at number two on the Billboard Classical Albums chart.

Did You Know?

• Leclerc's father, Hervé, died four days before Leclerc won the feature race at the 2017 Baku Formula 2 round.
• Prior to his father's death, Leclerc lied to him that he had signed a Formula One contract for the 2018 season; he signed with Sauber later that year.
• Leclerc's godfather was Jules Bianchi, who was also best friends with Leclerc's older maternal half-brother, Lorenzo.
• Leclerc holds the record for the most pole positions (27) without winning a World Drivers' Championship.
• In 2024, Leclerc became the first Monégasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix in 93 years.