Challenges in the Life of Charles Leclerc in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Charles Leclerc's life and career.

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

Sections (5)

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

1980: Ferrari's Lowest Since 1980

In 2020, Ferrari finished sixth in the World Constructors' Championship, their lowest since 1980.

1996: Racing mentality

The 1996 World Drivers' Champion, Damon Hill, described Leclerc's racing mentality as "win or bust".

2012: Senior KF2 Category and WSK Euro Series Win

In 2012, Charles Leclerc graduated to the senior KF2 category with ART Grand Prix, winning the WSK Euro Series. He was involved in an incident with Max Verstappen. He finished runner-up in the European Championship and at the under-18 World Championship, and fifth in the World Cup and WSK Final Cup.

2018: Formula One Debut and Scoring Points

In 2018, Leclerc debuted in Formula One for Sauber at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing thirteenth. At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he finished sixth, becoming the first Monégasque driver to score points in Formula One since 1950. At his first home Grand Prix in Monaco, Leclerc suffered a brake failure and retired. He finished the season with 39 points, earning the FIA Rookie of the Year award.

2019: Signing with Ferrari and Maiden Pole Position

In 2019, Leclerc signed with Ferrari to partner Sebastian Vettel. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Leclerc secured his maiden pole position to become the second-youngest polesitter in Formula One history. He finished third after an engine issue, securing his first podium. At the Monaco Grand Prix, he qualified sixteenth and suffered a race-ending tyre puncture.

2019: Collision

Leclerc was penalised for causing a collision with Verstappen at the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix.

2020: Winless Season for Ferrari

In 2020, Charles Leclerc experienced a winless season with Ferrari.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic, Podium Finish, and Controversy

In 2020, the season was delayed and shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leclerc finished third at the Austrian Grand Prix. He was investigated for allegedly breaching COVID-19 safety protocols. He secured another podium at the British Grand Prix. Leclerc faced allegations of racism for opting not to take the knee, which he addressed. He finished the season eighth in the standings.

2020: Mistakes

Leclerc has also been criticised for race-ending mistakes throughout his early seasons in Formula One, particularly at the 2020 Italian, 2020 Sakhir, and 2022 French Grands Prix.

2021: Another Winless Season for Ferrari

In 2021, Charles Leclerc experienced another winless season with Ferrari.

2021: Partnering with Carlos Sainz Jr. and Racing Season

In 2021, Leclerc was partnered with Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari. He secured pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix but was unable to start the race. He claimed his sole podium of the season at the British Grand Prix, finishing second. Leclerc finished seventh in the World Drivers' Championship with 159 points.

2023: 2023 Season Summary

Throughout 2023, Ferrari faced challenges with race pace and tyre management. Leclerc achieved five pole positions and six podiums, ultimately finishing fifth in the World Drivers' Championship. Key moments included pole positions in Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Belgium, the United States, and Mexico City. He also had a notable second-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and faced disqualification at the United States Grand Prix due to skid block wear. Leclerc ended the season with 206 points, tying with Fernando Alonso.

2025: 2025 Season

In 2025, Leclerc is partnered by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. He faced strategic errors, disqualifications, and performance concerns throughout the season. Despite these challenges, he achieved a podium finish in Saudi Arabia and showed strong performances in several races. However, incidents like aquaplaning in Miami and a collision in the Dutch Grand Prix impacted his results. Leclerc finished third in the Grand Prix in a race-long battle for second with Lando Norris.

2025: Penalized for Collision

Leclerc was penalised for causing a collision with Verstappen at the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix and for erratically defending from Russell at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix.