Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc (born 16 October 1997) is a Monégasque racing driver for Ferrari in Formula One. Leclerc was runner-up in the 2022 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship and has won eight Grands Prix. He began kart racing at seven and won the 2011 Junior Karting World Cup.
Leclerc’s career includes titles in GP3 Series (2016) and Formula 2 (2017). He debuted in F1 with Sauber in 2018, joined Ferrari in 2019, and has secured numerous podiums, including wins in Monaco, Italy, and USA.
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Charles Leclerc Net Worth
Charles Leclerc has a net worth of $50 million. He has raced in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari since 2019. In 2022, he achieved his first career grand slam at the Australia Grand Prix and finished second in the World Drivers’ Championship.
Before joining F1, Leclerc won the GP3 Series in 2016 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017. Leclerc is one of the highest-paid F1 drivers, earning a minimum of $25 million annually.
Early life
Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc was born on 16 October 1997 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. His father, Hervé Leclerc, was a racing driver in Formula Three. His mother, Pascale Leclerc, is a former hairdresser. His maternal grandfather founded the Novares Group, a French manufacturing company.
Hervé passed away at 54 just before Leclerc’s 2017 Baku Formula 2 win. Leclerc lied to his father about signing an F1 contract before joining Sauber in 2018. His brothers include Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc, close to Jules Bianchi, and Arthur Leclerc, a racing driver.
Career
Leclerc began karting at age five, racing at Brignoles, a circuit owned by Jules Bianchi’s father. In 2005, he won the regional PACA championship in the Mini class with 15 wins from 18 races, successfully defending the title in 2006.
He advanced to Minime in 2007, winning the Trophée Claude Secq and finishing runner-up in the PACA championship. In 2008, Leclerc finished fifth in the Bridgestone Cup and runner-up in the French Championship. In 2009, he won the French Championship, Bridgestone Cup, and regional Rhône-Alpes title.
Personal life
Leclerc is trilingual, fluent in French, Italian, and English. Outside racing, he is interested in architecture, music, and fashion. He chose 16 as his driver number in Formula One because the digits sum to his lucky number, seven, and it corresponds to his birth date, 16 October.
From 2019 to 2022, Leclerc was in a relationship with Charlotte Siné, a Monégasque architect. Since 2023, he has been with Alexandra Saint Mleux, an Italian model and art historian. In 2024, Leclerc was a torchbearer for the Monégasque leg of the Summer Olympics.
Why is Charles Leclerc so famous?
Charles Leclerc is an extremely talented young driver. In his first season with Ferrari in 2019, he took a pole position in Bahrain to become the youngest Ferrari pole sitter. He nearly won that race, but an engine issue towards the end of the race prevented him from taking his first win.
Conclusion
Charles Leclerc’s journey in Formula One, from a karting enthusiast to a top-ranked driver, illustrates his dedication and skill. His net worth of $50 million reflects his success in one of the world’s most prestigious motorsports.
FAQs about Charles Leclerc
- What inspired Charles Leclerc to pursue a career in racing?
- Growing up in Monaco, a hub for motorsports, fueled Leclerc’s early interest in racing.
- Has Charles Leclerc been involved in any significant racing accidents?
- Like many F1 drivers, Leclerc has had his share of on-track incidents, but none have been career-threatening.
- What impact has Charles Leclerc had on Formula One?
- Leclerc is seen as a vital part of the new generation of F1 drivers, bringing excitement and competitiveness to the sport.
- What other interests does Charles Leclerc have outside of racing?
- Leclerc’s interests outside F1 are relatively private, but he is known for his love of sports and fitness.
- What philanthropic efforts is Charles Leclerc involved in?
- Leclerc supports various charitable causes, including the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and COVID-19 relief efforts.
