Becoming, at a young age, the leading figure of the most iconic and prestigious team in Formula 1 requires discipline and a strong ability to control emotions. Speaking on the BSMT podcast, Charles Leclerc reflected on the key pillars of his career, from the victories that have shaped both his own recent history and that of Ferrari, to the mental approach required to cope with the relentless pressure of the Formula 1 paddock.
The rise to greatness: F1 debut and unforgettable wins in Monza and Monte Carlo
Charles Leclerc’s career has been a rapid ascent since joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016. He secured the GP3 Series title in his debut season that same year, followed it up with another championship in Formula 2, and then made the final step into Formula 1 after being signed by Alfa Romeo Sauber. The transition from Formula 2 to Formula 1 is often a challenging leap for many young talents, but for Charles Leclerc it proved to be a natural progression. “It was a huge step, but I managed to adapt quickly thanks to the right mindset and approach from my very first season.”
That preparation allowed him to handle moments of extreme pressure, like the unforgettable 2019 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he claimed victory just one week after winning at Spa. “As a Ferrari driver, you arrive at the track and you feel that everyone is behind you, pushing… winning with all that support around you is not easy, but it makes the moment even more special.” If Monza represents the passion of the tifosi, Monte Carlo 2024 was a deeply personal triumph. “Those are the streets I used to travel on the bus when I was four or five years old to go to school. Winning on those same roads is something incredibly special and personal.” Today, both trophies are displayed in his living room, serving as a daily reminder of the milestones he has achieved.
Being Ferrari: between responsibility and world championship dreams
For the Monegasque driver, racing for the Maranello team is not just a job, but a true calling. Despite global fame and the complex logistics that come even with everyday travel, Charles Leclerc maintains a grounded and humble approach. “Being at Ferrari is an incredible honor and the dream of every driver, but it doesn’t change who I am as a person.”
His connection with Italy, rooted in his karting days, continues to fuel his main ambition. Formula 1 under Liberty Media has expanded its global reach and successfully conquered the United States market, but Charles Leclerc’s ultimate objective remains unchanged: “I want to win a championship… and I want to do it with Ferrari.”
The unseen work: 9-hour simulator days and mental preparation
To bring Ferrari back to the top, talent alone is not enough. Charles Leclerc dedicates a significant portion of his routine to technical development work in Maranello. “I spend intense sessions in the simulator, around 8–9 hours a day,” the driver explained. This work is crucial for reducing the gap between simulation and real track conditions, as well as for testing new developments before they are introduced on the car.
However, the most complex engine to manage is the psychological one. Charles Leclerc considers mental health a fundamental part of his overall setup: “I practice meditation and work with a psychologist. It’s important to focus only on what you can control: your performance and your consistency.” This principle has proven essential in his growth, helping him become, over several seasons, the leading driver of the most famous and widely followed team in Formula 1.
The Monegasque driver also recalled how, at the age of 11, he visited the Formula Medicine center in Viareggio to undergo tests designed to help him recognize and manage different mental states. He concluded by explaining that it will also be a psychological factor that determines when it will be time to retire: “Fear must not be part of the emotions in a car. The day I feel fear, I will stop and step aside. For sure.”
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