Charles Leclerc has been competing against the big names in motorsport since he got behind the wheel of an F1 car. Racing in Scuderia Ferrari colours since 2019, and still only 23 years of age, the Monegasque has already clocked up some great victories as well experiencing as a few difficulties. His first year was marked by seven pole positions and two victories, an upward curve that was broken this year. «I think it’s made me a better driver, most certainly, because in these difficult moments I have employed my determination differently, concentrating on myself, to try and progress», confided the sportsman before the Turkish Grand Prix. Born in a land of champions, Charles Leclerc started karting at the age of five on the Brignoles circuit, managed by the father of the late Jules Bianchi, a friend of his father. His childhood was marked by images of the Monaco Grand Prix, and Ferrari has always been the team of his dreams.
Unfailing determination
His passion took shape, and elite driving became his objective. “The Monaco circuit is one of my favourites, and my favourite part is the final section. When I am behind the wheel, the person who inspires me is Ayrton Senna. I have never seen him race but my father was a big fan and he passed on his passion to me.” It was indeed facing these bends that his vocation was born. “My first Formula One memory was when I was 4 or 5 years old. I was watching my first Grand Prix, sat at the exit on the first bend. I was playing cars with my best friend and watching the drivers on the circuit. Even back then my favourite was Ferrari! ”. What would he like people to know about him now? “I’m a normal 23-year-old guy and I like to be treated as such. My closest friends are my childhood friends. That’s never changed.” The recent pandemic has not spared his sport. Confined in the Principality, the young man has taken advantage of these weeks to train more than ever. “The +sim racing+ (Editor’s Note, a race simulator) helped to remind me that I’m here to race. The feeling wasn’t the same, but it helped me maintain my reflexes,” he explained during a virtual conference. Since returning to the tarmac, Charles has proved that his determination has not wavered and his goal remains the same: to lift the champion’s trophy.
Par Caroline Stefani - © Ferrari DR
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