Charles Leclerc is a Monégasque racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari.
He has an impressive racing career, winning the GP3 Series championship in 2016 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017.
Leclerc joined Formula 1 in 2018 with Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 before moving to Ferrari in 2019.
Known for his talent, he has achieved multiple pole positions, podium finishes and victories during his career.
Leclerc is recognized for his exceptional skills, maturity, and ability to handle pressure on the racetrack.
His journey in motorsport began with karting, where he excelled before transitioning to single-seater racing and eventually reaching the pinnacle of motorsport in Formula One.
Net worth | $125 million |
Profession | Racing driver |
Date of birth | October 16, 1997 |
Nationality | Monacan |
Parents | Hervé Leclerc, Pascale Leclerc |
Background and early life
Leclerc was born on October 16, 1997, in La Condamine, Monaco.
His passion for motorsport was inherited from his father, Hervé, who was a former Formula 3 racer.
Growing up as the middle child between older brother Lorenzo and younger brother Arthur, Leclerc began his karting career in 2005, winning several championships before transitioning to single-seaters.
He quickly rose through the ranks, winning titles in Formula Renault, Formula Three and GP3.
Leclerc’s talent and success caught the attention of F1-affiliated talent scouts, leading to his debut in Formula One in 2018 with Sauber before moving to Ferrari in 2019.
Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his father just before a significant victory in 2017, his determination and skill have propelled him to become a prominent figure in Formula One.
Leclerc’s journey from karting to the pinnacle of motorsport showcases his exceptional racing abilities, maturity and resilience in the face of challenges.
Net worth
Leclerc’s net worth is estimated to be $125 million.
His wealth primarily comes from his successful racing career in Formula One, lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Giorgio Armani, Ray-Ban and Richard Mille, as well as investments in real estate ventures and tech firms.
Leclerc’s impressive net worth reflects his accomplishments on the racetrack and his ability to secure substantial earnings through various sources.
Salary and contracts
Leclerc’s salary and contracts have been a topic of interest in the Formula One world.
He signed a multi-year contract extension with Ferrari, securing a significant increase in his salary.
Leclerc’s salary has reportedly risen by $6 million, from $24 million to $30 million, with the potential to reach $50 million annually in the coming years.
This increase is tied to a condition that he remains with Ferrari for the next five years.
Additionally, there is a special clause in his contract that allows him to choose to leave the team from 2026 onwards.
Leclerc’s new agreement with Ferrari guarantees him at least £23.6 million per year until the end of 2028, with possible bonuses for race wins and world titles.
However, he could potentially forgo millions by exercising a break clause at the end of 2026 if he believes his quest for a world title would be better served elsewhere.
Richard Mille partnership
Leclerc’s partnership with Richard Mille, a renowned luxury watch brand, has been a significant aspect of his endorsement deals.
Richard Mille has developed custom-made watches for Leclerc, including the RM 67-02 prototype, designed to be the lightest automatic watch in the Richard Mille collection.
This collaboration extends beyond watchmaking, with Richard Mille offering unique experiences to the future owner of the RM 67-02, such as two passes for the next F1 Monaco Grand Prix, where they can meet Leclerc and enjoy the race from the heart of the Scuderia paddock.
The partnership between Leclerc and Richard Mille showcases a blend of high-performance timepieces and exclusive experiences within the world of Formula One, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to innovation and luxury in watchmaking.
Giorgio Armani deal
Leclerc signed a significant sponsorship deal with luxury fashion brand Giorgio Armani in 2021.
This partnership involves he becoming an ambassador for the high fashion brand, showcasing a collaboration that extends beyond the racetrack.
The agreement includes supplying clothing for Scuderia Ferrari’s off-track activities, emphasizing the brand’s presence in the Formula One world.
This deal with Giorgio Armani adds to Leclerc’s endorsement portfolio, aligning him with a prestigious fashion house and highlighting his influence both in motorsport and the fashion industry.
Ray-Ban collaboration
Leclerc’s collaboration with Ray-Ban involves a special edition of sunglasses designed for Scuderia Ferrari.
The limited-edition Ray-Ban for Scuderia Ferrari Monza Collection draws inspiration from Italian style and the Italian Grand Prix, featuring chic sunglasses with red and “Modena” yellow details, paying homage to the iconic colors of the F1 team.
These sunglasses boast a face-flattering round silhouette with red carbon fiber temples and Chromance mirror lenses.
The frames are adorned with the official Scuderia Ferrari colors and come in a racing-inspired carrying case, along with Ferrari-inspired packaging and an authenticity card.
This exclusive collection is available in limited quantities, with only 1200 pairs released, retailing for $346 at Ray-Ban.com.
The partnership between Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Ray-Ban showcases a fusion of style, luxury, and motorsport heritage, offering fans a chance to embrace the essence of Scuderia Ferrari through fashionable eyewear.
Hublot partnership
Leclerc had a significant partnership with Hublot, a Swiss luxury watch brand, which was notable in the Formula One world.
However, in the 2021 season, Ferrari lost Hublot as a sponsor.
Despite this loss, Leclerc’s association with Hublot was prominent, as evidenced by the incident where thieves stole his Hublot watch.
Italian police released a video showing Leclerc chasing the thieves who stole his watch, emphasizing the value and significance of his Hublot timepiece.
The Hublot brand of Swiss watches was a key element in Leclerc’s endorsement deals and his personal collection, reflecting the high-end partnerships he maintained in the world of luxury watches and Formula One.
Birel ART partnership
Leclerc’s partnership with Birel ART marks a significant venture into the world of karting, showcasing his commitment to supporting the sport that laid the foundation for his successful racing career.
Teaming up with the Italian firm, Leclerc has launched his own kart brand, featuring a range of karts produced in the Birel ART factory near Monza.
The Charles Leclerc kart line includes models for leisure and competition, such as Baby, Mini, OK/Junior, KZ, Rotax and rental categories.
This collaboration not only highlights Leclerc’s passion for karting but also emphasizes his desire to give back to the sport that played a crucial role in shaping his journey to Formula One.
By partnering with Birel ART, a renowned name in karting, Leclerc aims to provide high-quality products bearing his name and racing legacy, catering to aspiring young racers and enthusiasts alike.
Charles Leclerc car collection
Leclerc’s car collection is an impressive display of luxury and performance vehicles, reflecting his success in Formula One and his passion for high-end automobiles.
Some of the notable cars in his collection include the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, Ferrari Roma, Ferrari 812 Superfast and a Ferrari SF90 (2019 chassis from his first Grand Prix victory).
Leclerc also owns a Custom 812 Competizione Aperta, Bugatti Chiron, Rolls Royce Wraith, Land Rover Discovery, McLaren GT and Jaguar XF.
His collection not only includes high-performance supercars but also luxury vehicles suitable for everyday use, reflecting his status as a successful Formula One driver with a penchant for exceptional automobiles.
Real estate
Leclerc’s real estate portfolio includes a lavish apartment in Monaco, where he resides in the crown jewel of F1.
This stylish apartment in Monte Carlo offers a simple yet elegant living space, reflecting his taste and comfort.
The apartment features a sleek kitchen with white marble countertops, surrounded by white cabinets and a wine fridge.
Notably, the talking point of Leclerc’s home is a grand white piano, showcasing his musical interests and adding a touch of sophistication to the space.
Additionally, Charles has a wooden cabinet filled with trophies and helmets, highlighting his achievements in the world of racing.
Leclerc’s Monaco residence provides him with a cozy and stylish retreat, offering a glimpse into his private life away from the racetrack.
Early career
Leclerc began his motorsport journey in karting in 2005, showcasing his talent by winning various championships like the French PACA Championship and the CIK-FIA KF3 World Cup.
Transitioning to single-seaters, he moved up the ranks, competing in categories like Formula Renault, Formula Three and GP3.
In 2012, Leclerc won the WSK Euro Series title in the KF2 category.
His success continued as he finished runner-up in the CIK-FIA European KF2 Championship and the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship in 2012.
In his final year of karting in 2013, he secured victories in the South Garda Winter Cup and finished second behind Max Verstappen.
Leclerc’s dominance in karting and his early achievements in single-seaters laid the foundation for his remarkable career in motorsport, leading him to Formula One.
Breakthrough
Leclerc’s breakthrough in Formula One came during his first season with Scuderia Ferrari in 2019.
He achieved his breakthrough moment by securing his first win for Ferrari at Spa, followed by another historic victory at Monza, Ferrari’s home circuit.
These back-to-back wins not only showcased his exceptional talent but also solidified his position as an exciting young superstar in the sport.
Leclerc’s success was a result of his ability to adapt to the car, work closely with his engineers to enhance performance and maintain confidence in himself during challenging times.
His breakthrough season highlighted his potential and marked the beginning of a promising career at one of F1’s most iconic teams, Ferrari.
Notable races
Some of Leclerc’s notable races include his impressive performances in the Formula 2 championship in 2017, where he won the title as a rookie with Prema Racing.
His dominance was evident as he secured pole position for almost every race weekend and clinched the championship with seven victories.
Moving to Formula One with Sauber in 2018, he showcased remarkable racecraft in the midfield, finishing sixth in Baku and consistently scoring points throughout the season.
Leclerc’s standout moments in F1 include his first win for Ferrari at Spa and a historic victory at Monza in 2019.
These wins, along with his seven pole positions that season, highlighted his exceptional talent and potential in the sport.
Despite facing challenges like technical issues and tough competition, Leclerc’s ability to outpace his teammate and secure victories at iconic circuits solidified his reputation as a rising star in Formula One.
Awards and accolades
Leclerc has received several awards and accolades throughout his racing career, recognizing his exceptional talent and achievements in Formula One.
Some of his notable awards include the Autosport Awards Rookie of the Year in 2017 and 2018, FIA Rookie of the Year in 2017 and 2018, Confartigianato Motori Best Young Driver in 2018 and the Richard Mille Rookie of the Year title at the 2018 Autosport Awards.
These awards highlight Leclerc’s remarkable performances, particularly during his early years in motorsport and his rapid rise to success in Formula One, solidifying his position as one of the most promising and talented drivers in the sport.
Philanthropic efforts
Leclerc is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back and supporting charitable causes.
One notable initiative involved Leclerc auctioning off his race suit, racing gloves, racing shoes, fireproof undershirt and helmet from the Monaco Grand Prix to raise money for the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.
This auction aimed to support the region after severe flooding and landslides, with the proceeds contributing to the relief efforts for affected individuals.
Leclerc’s decision to leverage his racing memorabilia for charity showcases his generosity and compassion towards those in need, earning him praise from fans and the racing community for his altruistic actions.
Family
Leclerc comes from a close-knit family that has played a significant role in his life and career.
His father, Hervé Leclerc, was a motorsports enthusiast who raced in European Formula 3 championships during the 1980s and 1990s.
Hervé introduced Leclerc to motor racing and was instrumental in his journey to Formula One.
Unfortunately, Hervé passed away in 2017 after battling a long-term illness.
Leclerc has expressed gratitude for his father’s influence and support in his racing career.
In addition to his father, he has a mother named Pascale Leclerc, who works as a hairdresser and has been seen supporting him at races.
Leclerc has two brothers, Lorenzo and Arthur Leclerc.
Lorenzo is a successful businessman, while Arthur is following in Charles’ footsteps as a racer, currently competing in Formula 2.
Leclerc, being the middle child, has been the most prominent figure in his family, representing Monaco in the highest level of motorsport, Formula One.