A special bond with the fans
On the BSMT podcast, Charles Leclerc once again reaffirmed his love for Italy, the home of the Maranello-based Ferrari team. This feeling has deep roots, as the driver essentially grew up in Italy while pursuing his racing career.
“I think I have a very special bond with Italy in general, starting from karting many years ago. All the races were in Italy, so I grew up there. Then being a Ferrari driver definitely strengthens that,” he said.
“I like the genuineness of Italians, there are no filters. I have always liked that. Over time, a special connection has also been created with the fans.”
Now almost fluent in the language, the Monegasque driver admitted that he initially learned Italian out of necessity, as he needed to communicate with his mechanics.
“Growing up, all my mechanics were Italian, so it was the only way to speak to them. I also studied it at school, but there I only learned to count up to 30,” he joked.
Memories, family and gelato
Looking back, Leclerc also took the opportunity to recall moments shared with his father, when they enjoyed ice cream while watching Formula 1 races together.
“I remember watching Formula 1 with my father when I was a child, there was always ice cream to share during those special moments,” he said.
“As I grew up, it remained part of my lifestyle, but of course in Formula 1 you have to watch your diet, and that is how the idea of ‘Lec’ was born together with Federico [Grom, co-founder of the Italian ice cream chain who collaborated with Charles Leclerc on creating the ‘Lec’ ice cream, editor’s note].”
It was in this way that Leclerc created a gelato designed for those who need to stay in shape – primarily himself – also revealing his favourite flavour so far: vanilla.
This love for gelato, combined with his deep connection to the country where he grew up, makes the relationship between Charles Leclerc and Italy even more special.
Charles Leclerc’s reflections on his upbringing and his professional journey therefore highlight why he is so much more than just a driver to the Italian public. From struggling with basic counting in school to becoming the face of the most iconic team in the country, his evolution is a testament to his integration into Italian culture. His venture into the world of fitness-friendly gelato, “Lec,” serves as a bridge between his cherished childhood memories with his father and the disciplined lifestyle of a modern athlete. This enduring love for the country that raised him, combined with his unfiltered appreciation for its people, ensures that Leclerc’s relationship with Italy remains one of the most authentic and heartfelt in the paddock.
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