| Car Number | #16 |
| Team | Ferrari |
| Nationality | Monegasque |
| Born | October 16, 1997 - Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| Age | 28 |
2026 Season Stats
Career Stats
Biography
Charles Marc Herve Perceval Leclerc is Ferrari's golden boy and one of the most naturally talented drivers of his generation. Born on October 16, 1997 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Leclerc grew up just steps from the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit. His childhood friend was the late Jules Bianchi, whose tragic passing in 2015 deeply affected the young Leclerc and strengthened his resolve to succeed in Formula 1 in honor of his mentor and godfather.
Leclerc's junior career was outstanding. He won the GP3 Series title in 2016 and followed it up with the Formula 2 Championship in 2017, earning a seat with Sauber for 2018. His performances in an uncompetitive car were so impressive that Ferrari promoted him to their works team for 2019, replacing the departing Kimi Raikkonen. In his first season at Maranello, Leclerc won two races and outqualified four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, establishing himself as Ferrari's future.
The years that followed saw Leclerc consistently demonstrate blinding one-lap speed, often putting the Ferrari on pole position at circuits where the car had no business being. His emotional victory at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix - his home race - was one of the defining moments of recent F1 history. The 2024 Italian Grand Prix victory at Monza further cemented his status as a Ferrari legend in the making.
In 2026, Leclerc finds himself partnered with Lewis Hamilton for the first time, a pairing that many consider the most exciting on the grid. Sitting third in the championship with 49 points after three rounds, Leclerc has shown strong pace and has been a consistent podium contender. His relationship with Hamilton appears respectful and competitive, and the two Ferrari drivers are pushing each other to extract maximum performance from the new-regulation car. At 28 years old, Leclerc is entering his prime and remains determined to deliver Ferrari their first drivers' championship since 2007.
Interesting Facts
- Grew up in Monaco and could see the Grand Prix circuit from his childhood home
- His godfather was the late Jules Bianchi, who was also his racing mentor
- Won the GP3 Series and Formula 2 Championship in consecutive years
- His emotional 2024 Monaco Grand Prix victory ended a long drought for a Monegasque winner at home
- An accomplished pianist who often shares his playing on social media
- His younger brother Arthur is also a racing driver who has competed in feeder series