Charles Leclerc reveals what truly excites him most in Formula 1
Charles Leclerc has offered an interesting glimpse into what makes Formula 1 so special from a driver’s perspective, sharing his thoughts in a light-hearted video created for Shell, one of Ferrari’s long-standing official partners.
The Ferrari driver was asked to choose between some of Formula 1’s most exciting scenarios, and his answers revealed plenty about the emotions and sensations that continue to fuel his passion for racing at the highest level.
Why Charles Leclerc loves night Grands Prix
Asked whether he would rather race in wet conditions or under the lights at a night Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc admitted that both experiences are special, but one edges the other for a unique reason.
“I really like Grand Prix races in the rain. I really like both, but I’d go for the night Grand Prix because the night Grand Prix just gives you a feeling that’s really exceptional. The fact that there are lights and you see them go by very quickly, you feel like you’re going much faster at night…”
When the interviewer jokingly suggested that the sensation might feel a bit like being in space, like a rocket, Charles Leclerc immediately embraced the comparison: “It’s true, it’s a bit like that. It’s a good comparison! Seeing the lights go by so quickly at night is really a very special feeling.”
Night races have become some of Formula 1’s most visually spectacular events in recent years, with venues like Singapore, Las Vegas, Jeddah and Bahrain creating a completely different atmosphere compared to traditional daytime Grands Prix. For drivers, the combination of artificial lighting, reduced visual references and the sense of speed can make the experience even more intense.
Emotion over domination
Charles Leclerc was also asked a more difficult question: would he prefer a dominant victory or a dramatic photo-finish triumph?
The Monegasque admitted the choice was far from straightforward, as both scenarios bring different forms of satisfaction: “That’s complicated. What drives me and what I love so much in this sport is the emotion. And I think the emotion is always bigger when it happens on the last corner of the last lap. It’s exceptional! But then, winning by a big margin means you’ve done everything perfectly, and that helps for the next races, knowing you might have an advantage over others. So it’s complicated, but I’ll choose the emotion and the photo-finish win.”
It is a response that perfectly captures Charles Leclerc’s racing mindset. While dominant wins offer reassurance about pace and performance, the Ferrari driver remains drawn to the emotional highs that make Formula 1 so addictive for both drivers and fans.
For supporters of the Scuderia, it is also a reminder of the kind of racing Charles Leclerc thrives on: intense, emotional and decided in the most dramatic moments possible.
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