Why is Charles Leclerc driving the number 16 in his F1 car?

By Sylvester Simmonds 26 August, 2021 2 mins read 734 Views

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Many Formula 1 drivers have given a lot of thought when choosing their starting number. While some choose a specific number because they believe it can bring good luck, others choose those with a personal meaning. However, some fail to do so, including Charles Leclerc; the number he wanted as it was taken by another driver on the grid.

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But the Monegaske came up with a broad and nice idea when it went to number 16 in the world of F1.

Charles Leclerc talks about the thought process involved in choosing the number 16

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Leclerc had two starting numbers in mind at the start – 7 and 10. Unfortunately, Kimi Räikkönen and Pierre Gasly had chosen the starting number that Charles had in their sights. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old found a compromise.

He said, “I wanted number seven but it was taken, I wanted number ten but it was taken. I ended up with number sixteen because one plus six equals seven. And I was born on October sixteenth. So yes, not a very interesting story. “

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Qualifying – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 31, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the REUTERS / Florion Goga qualification

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So why can’t Leclerc take the number 10 or 7?

Leclerc had his eyes on number ten when he first got into Formula 1. However, this number has already been adopted by the 2007 world champion, Kimi Raikkonen. Last time he wanted number seven, it was taken by his best friend, Pierre Gasly from AlphaTauri.

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Now with the number 16 on his car, Leclerc will turn his attention to becoming world champion in Formula 1. However, the 23-year-old knows the road to stardom will be a difficult one as he would struggle with greats like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Formula 1 F1 – Great Britain Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Great Britain – July 16, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during practice REUTERS / Peter Cziborra

Leclerc’s goal is to become champion, knowing that the number on the car doesn’t matter whether it’s sixteen, ten or seven. He hopes to grow at Ferrari, getting the best out of the car every time and hopefully giving the Italian team back the glory days.