Early Life and Education of Charles Leclerc: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Charles Leclerc. A timeline of key moments.

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

Sections (5)

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

October 1997: Charles Leclerc's Birth

Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc was born in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on 16 October 1997. His father was a racing driver, and his mother operated a hair salon.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Partnership with Richard Mille

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

2015: Death of Jules Bianchi

In 2015, Jules Bianchi, who was Charles Leclerc's godfather and mechanic in kart racing, passed away.

2016: Joined Ferrari Driver Academy and signed as development driver

In 2016, Charles Leclerc joined the Ferrari Driver Academy and was signed as a development driver for both Haas and Ferrari. He also made his testing debut at Fiorano, driving the Ferrari F14 T. As part of his role at Haas, he participated in the first free practice sessions of the British, Hungarian, German and Brazilian Grands Prix. He completed his first official test for Ferrari at Silverstone in the SF16-H after his performance at the British Grand Prix impressed the team.

2017: Father's Death and Baku Victory

In 2017, Charles Leclerc's father, Hervé, passed away shortly before Leclerc won the feature race at the Baku Formula 2 round. Leclerc dedicated the pole position in Baku to his father.

2018: Named Ambassador for 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.

2019: Launch of Go-Kart Brand

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

2020: Tribute Helmet for Sebastian Vettel

Charles Leclerc wore a tribute helmet for Sebastian Vettel at the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—their final race as teammates.

2020: Endorsement Model for Giorgio Armani

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

2022: Brother's Championship Win

In 2022, Charles Leclerc's younger brother, Arthur, won the Formula Regional Asian Championship.

2023: Controversy Over Gilles Villeneuve Helmet Design

In 2023, controversy arose over Charles Leclerc's Gilles Villeneuve helmet design for the Canadian Grand Prix, after the Villeneuve family claimed he did not ask for permission; Jacques Villeneuve permitted it after talking to Leclerc.

April 2024: Launch of LEC Ice Cream Brand

In April 2024, Charles Leclerc launched an eponymous ice cream brand called LEC, a reference to his three-letter code on Formula One television graphics.

2024: Torchbearer for the Monégasque Leg of the Summer Olympics

In 2024, Charles Leclerc served as a torchbearer for the Monégasque leg ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, alongside Alexandra Coletti, Xiaoxin Yang, Rudy Rinaldi, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. That year, he purchased a US$3.1 million condominium in Miami.

2024: Tribute Helmet to Bianchi and Sainz Jr.

In 2024, Charles Leclerc wore a tribute helmet to Jules Bianchi at the Japanese Grand Prix, the tenth anniversary of his fatal accident. He also wore a tribute for departing teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.