F1 | Leclerc explains why he left social media: “One camera shot and everything was forgotten”
Charles Leclerc has opened up about his decision to distance himself from social media, explaining that the choice was not driven by a lack of connection with fans, but rather by the need to protect himself from the constant noise and external judgment surrounding Formula 1 races. Speaking on Gianluca Gazzoli’s podcast The BSMT, the Ferrari driver provided a detailed insight into why he eventually changed his approach to online platforms.
“I’m not on social media anymore,” Charles Leclerc stated, addressing a topic that has become increasingly relevant among elite athletes who operate under intense public scrutiny. For Charles Leclerc, the issue was never about media exposure itself, as he remains one of the most recognizable figures in the Formula 1 paddock. Instead, it is the interpretation and rapid judgment of performance that comes with modern digital platforms that created the real challenge.
The Monaco-born driver currently sits third in the Formula 1 World Championship standings after the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, having collected 49 points. He trails the Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while Ferrari continues its efforts to close the performance gap in an extremely competitive early phase of the championship. It is within this high-pressure environment that Charles Leclerc’s comments gain even greater relevance.
How social media distorted race perception for Charles Leclerc
During the podcast interview, Charles Leclerc explained that the core issue was how a single image or moment could completely reshape the perception of an entire race performance. He described how isolated clips often overshadowed the broader context of his race.
“It was enough for a moment, whether good or bad, to be shown from my race and everything else would kind of be forgotten,” Charles Leclerc said, highlighting the frustration that led him to step back from active social media engagement.
Rather than a withdrawal from public life, Charles Leclerc emphasized that this decision was about maintaining clarity and protecting his mental focus in a sport where every fraction of a second matters. In Formula 1, where performance is constantly analyzed and dissected, the ability to remain mentally stable is often just as important as raw speed.
Mental strength as the key factor in Formula 1 performance
The Ferrari driver expanded his reflection beyond social media, touching on the psychological demands of Formula 1 itself. According to Charles Leclerc, once drivers reach the highest level, talent alone is no longer the defining factor in performance.
“The thing that really makes the difference is the mental aspect: who can remove emotions, put them aside and be 100% focused on the lap that counts in Q3 or in the race,” Charles Leclerc explained.
He further added an even more striking statement: “We all have talent, all 22 drivers on the grid,” reinforcing the idea that at the pinnacle of motorsport, marginal gains and psychological control determine success more than natural ability alone.
This perspective helps explain why Charles Leclerc felt the need to reduce his exposure to social media commentary. Constant external noise can distort self-assessment, making it harder for a driver to remain objective about their own performance and development.
Balancing pressure, perception, and performance in modern Formula 1
In Formula 1 today, a single overtake, mistake, or even a facial expression captured on camera can quickly shape public opinion about an entire race. Charles Leclerc pointed out that this dynamic can be damaging for drivers who rely on clear, honest feedback to improve performance.
The Ferrari driver chose to step away from direct social media interaction to ensure that his own judgment of performance remains unaffected by external commentary. However, he clarified that he has not completely disconnected from digital platforms. “I choose the photos and captions I post,” Charles Leclerc specified, indicating that he still maintains a controlled presence online without engaging in constant feedback cycles.
Born in 1997, the Monegasque has also carried significant emotional weight throughout his career, shaped by the memory of his late father Hervé Leclerc and his close friendship with Jules Bianchi. These personal experiences, combined with his journey through Ferrari’s high-pressure environment, have made him one of the most exposed and emotionally aware drivers in Formula 1.
His reflections therefore highlight a broader issue within modern motorsport: the difficulty of separating real performance from instant public narrative shaped by social media clips, comments, and reactions.
It is not a problem unique to Charles Leclerc. The Formula 1 community has increasingly addressed mental health and psychological pressure in recent years, with other drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris also speaking openly about the impact of online criticism and constant self-evaluation.
Charles Leclerc has therefore chosen a balanced approach—remaining present but controlled—ensuring that his career is defined by his own assessment rather than fragmented online reactions. In his own words, the goal is simple: not to let a single camera angle define an entire race.
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