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 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

1980: Lowest Finish Since

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

2017: Father's Death and F2 Feature Race Win

In 2017, Hervé Leclerc, Charles' father, passed away after a long illness, four days before Charles won the feature race at the Baku Formula 2 round.

2018: Formula One Debut and Rookie Season

In 2018, Charles Leclerc debuted in Formula One with Sauber at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first Monégasque driver since 1994 to compete in F1. He finished thirteenth on debut and later scored points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, becoming the first Monégasque driver since 1950 to score points in Formula One. Leclerc experienced brake failure at his home Grand Prix in Monaco and several retirements throughout the season, but also secured multiple points finishes. He closed the season with three consecutive seventh-placed finishes, finishing thirteenth in the World Drivers' Championship and was named FIA Rookie of the Year.

2019: Signing with Ferrari and Maiden Pole Position

In 2019, Leclerc signed for Ferrari, partnering with Sebastian Vettel. He debuted for the team at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing fifth. In Bahrain, Leclerc secured his maiden pole position, becoming the second-youngest polesitter in Formula One history. Despite leading the race, an engine issue relegated him to third. He experienced strategic errors and collisions throughout the season but also secured multiple podium finishes.

2019: Penalized for Collision

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

2020: Winless Season for Ferrari

2020 was a winless season for Charles Leclerc with Ferrari.

2020: COVID-19 Impacted Season and FIA Investigation

In 2020, the season was delayed and shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leclerc secured a podium at the Austrian Grand Prix. He was investigated by the FIA for allegedly breaching COVID-19 safety protocols. He collided with teammate Sebastian Vettel at the Styrian Grand Prix. Leclerc also faced allegations of racism for opting to not take the knee during pre-race ceremonies. He finished eighth in the standings.

2020: Criticism for Race-Ending Mistakes

Leclerc has 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: Partnered with Carlos Sainz Jr. and Monaco Grand Prix

In 2021, Leclerc was partnered with 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. He then finished fourth in Azerbaijan. Leclerc retired from the rain-affected Hungarian Grand Prix and finished seventh in the World Drivers' Championship.

2023: 2023 Season

In 2023, Ferrari struggled with race pace and tire wear, while Red Bull improved from the previous year. Charles Leclerc had mixed results, including a retirement in Bahrain, recovering to seventh in Saudi Arabia, and another retirement in Australia. He achieved a pole position and finished third in Azerbaijan. Despite some strong qualifying performances and podiums, he faced challenges, including disqualification in the United States Grand Prix. He finished the season fifth in the World Drivers' Championship with 206 points. He achieved five pole positions and six podiums throughout the 2023 season.