Career Timeline of Charles Leclerc: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Charles Leclerc made an impact.

Charles Leclerc is a Monégasque Formula One racing driver currently competing for Ferrari. He achieved second place in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2022. Over his eight seasons in Formula One, Leclerc has secured eight Grand Prix victories, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the sport.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1931: Monégasque driver winning event in 1931

In 2024, after winning the Monaco Grand Prix—his home race—for the first time in his career, Leclerc became the first Monégasque driver to win the event since Louis Chiron in 1931.

1950: First Monégasque driver to score points since 1950

In 2018, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc became the first Monégasque driver to score points in Formula One since Louis Chiron in 1950.

1994: First Monégasque driver since 1994

In 2018, Charles Leclerc became the first Monégasque driver to compete in Formula One since Olivier Beretta in 1994.

2005: Start of Competitive Karting Career

In 2005, Charles Leclerc began his competitive karting career, winning the regional PACA championship in the Mini class with 15 wins from 18 races.

2006: Defended PACA Championship

In 2006, Charles Leclerc successfully defended his regional PACA championship in the Mini class.

2007: Advancement to Minime

In 2007, Charles Leclerc advanced to Minime, winning the Trophée Claude Secq and finishing runner-up at the PACA championship.

2009: Partnered with Richard Mille

In 2009, Charles Leclerc partnered with Swiss luxury watch company Richard Mille, who supported him through his kart racing and junior formulae career.

2009: Championship Wins and Partnership with Richard Mille

In 2009, Charles Leclerc won the French Championship and Bridgestone Cup, as well as the regional Rhône-Alpes title. He also partnered with Richard Mille, who supported him through the remainder of his karting career.

2010: International Karting Competition

In 2010, Charles Leclerc progressed to international competition in the junior KF3 class, becoming the youngest winner of the CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup.

2010: Ferrari Winner at Monza Since 2010

In 2019, Charles Leclerc won the Italian Grand Prix from pole, becoming the first Ferrari winner at Monza since Fernando Alonso in 2010.

2011: Karting Wins

In 2011, Charles Leclerc won the World Cup at Sarno, the Academy Trophy, and the Masters of Paris-Bercy. He also finished runner-up in the WSK Final Cup.

2011: Karting World Cup Victory

In 2011, Charles Leclerc's successful karting career culminated in his victory at the junior direct-drive Karting World Cup.

2012: Senior KF2 Category

In 2012, Charles Leclerc progressed to the senior KF2 category with ART Grand Prix, winning the WSK Euro Series. He also finished runner-up in the Karting European Championship and the under-18 Karting World Championship.

2013: Progression to KZ Senior Gearbox Class

In 2013, Charles Leclerc progressed to the KZ senior gearbox class, winning the South Garda Winter Cup in KZ2. He finished runner-up in the KZ World Championship.

2014: Move to Formula Renault 2.0

In 2014, Charles Leclerc graduated to junior formulae, signing for Fortec in Formula Renault 2.0. He achieved his maiden podium finish in the second race at Pau and his maiden formula racing victories at Monza. He finished runner-up to De Vries.

December 2015: GP3 Testing and Ferrari Driver Academy

In December 2015, Charles Leclerc partook in post-season GP3 testing with ART and Arden and also joined the Ferrari Driver Academy prior to the season.

2015: FIA European F3

In 2015, Charles Leclerc contested FIA European F3 with Van Amersfoort Racing, claiming his maiden victory and several podiums.

2015: Graduation to FIA European Formula 3

In 2015, Charles Leclerc graduated to FIA European Formula 3, winning several races and finishing fourth in his rookie season.

2016: GP3 Series Debut and Title Contention

In 2016, Charles Leclerc debuted in the GP3 Series, winning his debut race and contending for the championship, ultimately winning it.

2016: Joining Ferrari Driver Academy and Haas Development Driver

In 2016, Charles Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy and was signed as a development driver for Haas and Ferrari. He debuted at Fiorano, driving the Ferrari F14 T, and participated in free practice sessions for Haas at the British, Hungarian, German, and Brazilian Grands Prix. Following his performance at the British Grand Prix, he completed his first official test for Ferrari at Silverstone in the SF16-H. Despite rumors of graduating to Formula One with Haas, it was decided he would progress to FIA Formula 2 instead.

2016: GP3 Series Championship Win

In 2016, Charles Leclerc won his first championship at the GP3 Series with ART.

2017: FIA Formula 2 Season

In 2017, Charles Leclerc progressed to FIA Formula 2 with Prema, taking pole position and winning his maiden F2 victory at Sakhir. He also experienced challenges at his home round in Monte Carlo. Dedicated his pole in Baku to his recently deceased father.

2017: Formula 2 Championship Win and FIA Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Charles Leclerc secured his record-equalling sixth consecutive pole at Silverstone, winning the feature amidst reliability issues. He became the youngest GP2/Formula 2 champion and was named FIA Rookie of the Year.

2017: FIA Formula 2 Championship Win

In 2017, Charles Leclerc won the inaugural FIA Formula 2 Championship with Prema, becoming the fourth driver to win the GP2/Formula 2 championship in their rookie season and breaking several records.

2017: Participating in the mid-season test at the Hungaroring with Ferrari

In 2017, Leclerc participated in the mid-season test at the Hungaroring with Ferrari driving the SF70H, completing 98 laps and setting the fastest lap of the first day. Kimi Räikkönen praised his performance, and Leclerc completed further free practice sessions with Sauber.

2018: Formula One Debut

In 2018, Charles Leclerc made his Formula One debut with Sauber as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, scoring several points finishes in the C37.

2018: Signing with Sauber

In 2018, Charles Leclerc signed a Formula One contract with Sauber.

2018: Full-time Driver for Sauber and First Points in Formula One

In 2018, Charles Leclerc signed for Sauber as a full-time driver. At the Australian Grand Prix, he became the first Monégasque driver to compete in Formula One since 1994. He finished thirteenth on debut. At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Leclerc became the first Monégasque driver to score points in Formula One since 1950, finishing sixth. Throughout the season, he experienced highs and lows, including a brake failure at his home Grand Prix in Monaco and several points finishes.

2018: Named ambassador of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

In 2018, Charles Leclerc was named an ambassador of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, helping to promote the benefits of learning to swim.

2018: Entering 2018 post-season test with Ferrari

In 2019, Charles Leclerc entered the 2018 post-season test with Ferrari at Yas Marina, setting the fastest time in the SF71H.

2019: Battles with Max Verstappen in 2019

In 2019, Charles Leclerc battled with Max Verstappen, adjusting his aggression after the Austrian Grand Prix. He then beat Verstappen in a hard-fought contest for third, described as a thrilling fight by Vijay Pattni of Top Gear. Leclerc also defended his lead at the Italian Grand Prix from Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

2019: Youngest Recipient of FIA Pole Trophy in 2019

In 2019, Charles Leclerc became the youngest recipient of the FIA Pole Trophy for achieving the most pole positions.

2019: Joins Ferrari and Maiden F1 Win

In 2019, Charles Leclerc joined Ferrari to partner Sebastian Vettel, became the second-youngest polesitter at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and took his maiden career win in Belgium. He also ended Ferrari's nine-year drought at the Italian Grand Prix, earning the nickname "il Predestinato".

2019: Launched go-kart brand

In 2019, Charles Leclerc launched his own go-kart brand as part of a collaboration with Birel ART.

2019: Signing with Ferrari and Maiden Pole Position

In 2019, Charles Leclerc signed for Ferrari, partnering with Sebastian Vettel. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, he secured his maiden pole position, becoming the second-youngest polesitter in Formula One history, before an engine issue cost him the victory. He had other good results, including podiums and pole positions.

2019: First Since 2019

In 2021, Charles Leclerc secured a surprise pole position at his home Grand Prix in Monaco—his first since the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix.

2019: Ferrari's first home win since 2019

In 2024, Leclerc received widespread acclaim for his surprise victory at the Italian Grand Prix, completing a one-stop strategy to secure Ferrari's first home win since 2019.

April 2020: Won Race for the World sim racing championship

In April 2020, Charles Leclerc won the Race for the World sim racing championship, raising over US$70,000 for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

2020: Endorsement model for Giorgio Armani

In 2020, Charles Leclerc became an endorsement model for the Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact and Season Performance

In 2020, the Formula 1 season was delayed and shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, experienced a mix of challenges and successes. He secured a podium at the Austrian Grand Prix and faced controversy over alleged COVID-19 safety protocol breaches and his stance on taking the knee during pre-race ceremonies. His season included notable performances, reliability issues, and collisions, ultimately finishing eighth in the standings.

2021: Partnered with Carlos Sainz Jr. and Season Performance

In 2021, Charles Leclerc was partnered by Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari. He secured a pole position at his home Grand Prix in Monaco but was unable to start the race due to a drive shaft issue. At the British Grand Prix, he claimed his sole podium of the season with a second-place finish. Ultimately, Leclerc finished seventh in the World Drivers' Championship, marking the first time he had been outscored by a teammate in his formula racing career.

2021: First-Corner Overtake on Bottas at 2021 Spanish Grand Prix

In 2021, Charles Leclerc was praised for his first-corner overtake on Bottas at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Jonathan Noble of Motorsport.com describing the move as "sensational".

2021: Praise from Carlos Sainz Jr. in 2021

In 2021, after his back-to-back poles at the Monaco and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, Carlos Sainz Jr. proclaimed Leclerc as the best qualifier in Formula One.

2022: Repeated FIA Pole Trophy Win in 2022

Charles Leclerc repeated his feat of achieving the most pole positions and winning the FIA Pole Trophy again in 2022.

2022: Contract with Ferrari

In 2019, then-team principal Maurizio Arrivabene stated that Leclerc's contract with Ferrari would run until 2022.

2022: Runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship

In 2022, Charles Leclerc finished as runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship with Ferrari.

2022: Acclaim for Battles in 2022

In 2022, Charles Leclerc received acclaim for his battle with Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix, noted for his effective use of the drag reduction system. He was also praised by Hamilton after their battle at the British Grand Prix.

2022: Victory and Challenges in the 2022 Season

In 2022, Charles Leclerc started the season strong, winning the Bahrain Grand Prix. He extended his championship lead with a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix. However, the season brought challenges, including retirements due to power unit failures and strategic errors. Despite pole positions, Leclerc faced difficulties, ultimately impacting his championship standings.

2022: Runner-Up in World Drivers' Championship

In 2022, Charles Leclerc took several victories and finished runner-up to Max Verstappen in the World Drivers' Championship.

2022: Pole Lap at the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

In 2022, Laurence Edmondson of ESPN described Charles Leclerc's pole lap at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as his "latest example of his pinpoint precision and masterful speed", adding that he was "undoubtedly making a claim for the title of [Formula One]'s fastest driver over a single lap".

2022: Ferrari 1-2 Finish in Bahrain Grand Prix 2022

In 2024 Leclerc secured a Ferrari 1–2 finish in Australia—their first since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix—as he finished second to Sainz.

2023: Auctioned Monaco Grand Prix equipment

In 2023, Charles Leclerc auctioned the equipment he wore at the Monaco Grand Prix, raising €368,800 for victims of the Emilia-Romagna floods; his helmet sold for a record €306,000.

2023: Mixed Results and Pole Positions in 2023 Season

In 2023, Charles Leclerc experienced a season of mixed results. Ferrari faced challenges with race pace and tyre management early in the season. Leclerc secured pole positions in Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Belgium, the United States and Mexico City. Despite these successes, he faced retirements and grid penalties. He finished the season fifth in the World Drivers' Championship, achieving six podiums.

2023: Pole Positions and Podiums

In 2023, Charles Leclerc had five pole positions and six podiums.

2023: Accolades as Fastest Qualifier in 2023

In 2023, Martin Brundle opined that Leclerc was the fastest qualifier amongst the drivers.

April 2024: Launched LEC ice cream brand

In April 2024, Charles Leclerc launched his own ice cream brand called LEC, referencing his Formula One television graphics code.

2024: Racecraft Acclaim after 2024 Season

After the 2024 season, Alex Kalinauckas of Autosport lauded Charles Leclerc's racecraft, highlighting instances of defensive driving and an overtake on George Russell at the Chinese Grand Prix. He was also acclaimed for his tyre management at the Italian Grand Prix.

2024: Extending Ferrari Contract

In 2019, Charles Leclerc extended his Ferrari contract until the end of 2024.

2024: Contract Extension and Victories in 2024

In 2024, Charles Leclerc extended his contract with Ferrari and aimed to contend with Red Bull. He achieved a 1-2 finish with teammate Carlos Sainz in Australia. Leclerc then won the Monaco Grand Prix, marking his first victory at his home race, and the first Monégasque driver since 1931 to win the event. He finished third in the championship, securing three victories and 13 podiums. He also qualified first at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix—his fourth consecutive pole at the event.

2024: Monaco Grand Prix Victory

In 2024, Charles Leclerc won the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the first Monégasque driver to win the race in 93 years. He also achieved further victories in Italy and the United States and finished third in the championship.

2025: Achievements as of Austrian Grand Prix

As of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has achieved eight race wins, 26 pole positions, 10 fastest laps, and 47 podiums in Formula One.

2025: Partnership with Lewis Hamilton in 2025 and Performance Challenges

In 2025, Charles Leclerc is partnered with Lewis Hamilton. He faced strategic errors and disqualifications, and performance concerns, stating he "[could not] accept the situation [Ferrari were] in". However, he secured podium finishes in Saudi Arabia and Monaco.