Charles Leclerc on being called ‘The Predestined’: “It doesn’t put pressure on me”. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc discusses his nickname 'The Predestined'.

Years in red
When Charles Leclerc became a full-time Ferrari driver in 2019, the Monegasque was just over 21 and a half years old, certainly dreaming of becoming a Formula 1 world champion within a few seasons. However, seven seasons have passed, during which the Monegasque, while demonstrating incredible speed, courage, and consistency, has never been in serious contention for the world title and has managed to secure only eight race victories.

Many will remember how Charles Leclerc’s first flashes of talent – already during his time at Alfa Romeo – led Sky journalist Carlo Vanzini to nickname him ‘The Predestined’. This nickname, which later went viral after his 2019 Monza victory, has never bothered the driver. As he explained to the New York Times: “I like being called that, but it’s not like I wake up in the morning thinking, ‘Ah, I’m The Predestined.’ I don’t have that kind of pressure. Sometimes it’s nice to hear, but it’s not something that adds pressure or makes me feel differently. Whether I’m called that or not, my duty and my objective remain the same: to bring Ferrari back to the top, and I will do everything I can to achieve it.”

Determination and hope
Charles Leclerc then described how he is completely focused on himself: “What I really want is to have no regrets. I want to look back and be sure that I did absolutely everything possible to try to reach this goal. Whether I succeed or not, I don’t know, because I can’t control everything. But I know that at least, for the things I can control, I will give my all.”

On Ferrari’s prospects, he concluded: “I would like to win more, but we are working on it. The motivation is still extremely high.”