Decisions made in a split second, tireless concentration and courage are just some of the attributes that every Formula 1 driver needs.
Charles Leclerc got into a kart for the first time at the age of four and after his first lesson with his godfather and French racing driver Jules Bianchi was captivated by the high speed.
But the financial support needed to run motorsport was an added barrier, and over the years his family could no longer afford the competition. Then manager Nicolas Todt stepped in, faced Leclerc in 2012 and paid for his next season.
When Leclerc set out, Bianchi fell fatally at the 2014 Japanese GP, was in a coma for nine months, and died the following year. Tragically, Leclerc’s father died in 2017, two experiences the F1 star shared with the Guardian were “incredibly tough” but made him “stronger as a person and as a driver”.
A family affair
Nowadays, the 23-year-old driver keeps a close eye on younger brother Arthur Leclerc, a three-year-old junior racing driver who recently joined the Ferrari Driver Academy and took his first F3 win at Circuit Paul Ricard.
“I’m really excited he’s doing this so well,” Leclerc told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. “I very much hope that he will get into Formula 1 very soon, but there is still a long way to go.”
Although Leclerc celebrates his brother’s success, his protective instincts trump his ability to fully enjoy his pursuit of the sport.
“I’m ten times more stressed when he races than when I race because when I have the helmet on, I don’t think about the dangers of the sport,” he says.
“But whenever I see him from the outside, I start thinking about all the dire scenarios that can happen,” he adds.
Ultimately, the foundation of their relationship is off the track. “Whenever he needs help, he knows that I’m there for him and he can call me at any time […] But most of the time we are just talking about our lives, like normal brothers do. “
Grew up in Monaco
Leclerc was born and raised in Monte Carlo, Monaco, known for its cobblestone streets, sparkling harbors and gleaming white yachts.
One of the country’s 10,000 residents, he comes from more humble backgrounds than the majority of the population, many of whom are millionaires, drawn to the tax status of the Côte d’Azur city-state.
The racing star is not dulled by the opulence, but shows gratitude and humility. “From the outside, I don’t think there is the same picture as the picture I have of my own city.”
“I have all of my friends, all of my family, and there aren’t all these glamorous parts of it, this party site. Of course there is this side of Monaco too, but I don’t feel it when I’m there, it’s more relaxing.”
For Leclerc, the gold-plated veneer conceals a rich history of legendary racing drivers and spectacular tracks – above all the Monaco Grand Prix.
Known for its tight and winding layout, the track has been a technically demanding competition since it first appeared on the F1 calendar in 1950. Past winners include sports legends such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Graham Hill.
Leclerc says his upbringing in Monaco was key to his F1 career because he learned to work hard and to respect others. “Those two values are probably the most important.”
“Monaco gave me most of the values that I try to share in Formula 1. I’m just very, very proud and very happy to be born there.”
Learn from other athletes
As someone who wants to reach the peak of his sport, Leclerc admires his fellow athletes who can put their skills to the test, including Juventus and Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, who recently set the all-time international goal scoring record at Euro 2020, met Leclerc while visiting Ferrari’s famous headquarters in Maranello in May.
“He gave us a few tips […] as an athlete. The way he prepared, etc., was very, very interesting, “says Leclerc.
“Then we had a little fun driving. But we didn’t talk too much about work, it was more about having fun.”
When asked if Ronaldo was unimpressed during his drive, Leclerc laughs. “Yeah, well, brave, I wouldn’t go that far, but I’m sure he enjoyed it. I think he was pretty impressed with how fast these cars go.”
Nevertheless, he has great respect for the global icon. “He’s a football legend, but not only (that). I think for any athlete we’re all very impressed with him” […] he’s a great athlete. “
Fight for victory
Leclerc is cautiously optimistic about his outlook for the rest of the season as Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton and Red Bulls Max Verstappen are the two main rivals for the top of the table in 2021.
“I’m not frustrated, but I want to be back in the fight with the top guys like 2019. So there is a lot of motivation for the whole team because we don’t want Ferrari to fight for fifth or sixth place.” Space, ”he says.
“But on the other hand, it’s very good to finally see a fight between two teams for a world title. I think people enjoy it.”
He’s not wrong. Fans and neutrals alike enjoy the battle between the teams, a dynamic Leclerc will undoubtedly be seen at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The race will take place on Sunday, July 18, in front of a sold out audience.
Leclerc was held behind closed doors in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and is looking forward to the return of spectators to the event.
“It’s incredible to finally see life normalize a little. It’s been a long time and it’s great to feel the passion of the fans, ”he says.
“I don’t know how much to do with the fans and how close we will be to them because of the bubble. But at least we can feel the support in the stands to see them while driving, it feels great.” “
The future of Ferrari
Ferrari had its worst season in 40 years in 2020 and in the current campaign the team sees fourth place in the constructors’ championship. Leclerc is sixth in the drivers’ championship with 60 points, team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr. with 62 points.
“We’re more or less the same age, we have the same interests, we play the same sport,” he says. “We have good moments, but we also work very well with the team in difficult moments […] try to get together. “
According to Leclerc, Ferrari is focused on looking ahead to the 2022 season with the promise of a new car while still “trying to work as hard as possible” between races.
In the 2022 season, new rules will be introduced which, according to F1, “create radically different-looking cars that allow for tougher, closer races”.
“A lot of the guys at home are focused on the 2022 car, which will be a huge opportunity for us but will be very, very important for the years after that because it’s a completely new car,” says Leclerc.
“And so there is also a part of the team that is still in focus this year […] So it’s a fine balance.
“It’s small steps in the right direction, but it’s going in the right direction, which is very, very important.”
The CNN Wire
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