Charles Leclerc crossed into the K-pop world ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix when the Ferrari driver met Sangwon during a promotional event in the city, producing one of the more unusual off-track moments of race week. The meeting also included a playful message from Leclerc to NCT member Jeno, adding another layer to the crossover between Formula 1 and Korean pop culture.
Sangwon appeared alongside the Monegasque in Ferrari clothing during the October 7 event, which formed part of the wider “Own Your Speed” campaign around the Singapore Grand Prix. Rather than focusing on the competitive side of the weekend, the appearance brought together motorsport, music and streetwear in a relaxed setting before attention shifted fully towards the action on track.
Charles Leclerc and Sangwon bring K-pop into Singapore Grand Prix week
The Charles Leclerc-Sangwon Singapore meeting included photographs together and informal interactions with fans. One of the standout moments came when the Ferrari driver was asked to send a message to Jeno, responding with the brief greeting: “hai Jeno”.
It was a small moment, but one that neatly captured the nature of the event. Formula 1’s visit to Singapore regularly extends beyond the paddock itself, and Leclerc’s participation placed Ferrari directly into an audience that also follows K-pop, fashion and entertainment.
Sangwon’s presence in Ferrari colours reinforced that crossover without turning the appearance into a conventional team promotion. The focus remained on informal fan interaction rather than racing performance, technical discussion or expectations for the Grand Prix.
Sangwon also meets Lando Norris during Singapore appearance
The Ferrari encounter was not Sangwon’s only Formula 1 interaction during the event programme. He also met Lando Norris and presented the British driver with an album, while the pair took part in lighthearted exchanges that included playful requests for aegyo.
Activities connected with the campaign were held at locations including 313@Somerset and VivoCity, with racing simulators and Grand Prix watch-party elements helping connect the entertainment programme to Singapore’s Formula 1 weekend.
Those appearances underline how Formula 1’s Singapore stop operates beyond the circuit. The city race creates opportunities for drivers to appear in public-facing events throughout the week, and the combination of F1 personalities with figures from music and entertainment can introduce both audiences to each other without requiring the interaction to carry any sporting significance.
Ferrari gets a lighter moment before the focus returns to the track
For Leclerc, the Sangwon meeting offered a brief change of tone during a weekend that will inevitably be judged on Ferrari’s competitive performance. There was no new information about the SF-26, strategy or the team’s expectations in the interaction, and the appearance should therefore be viewed primarily as an off-track fan engagement moment.
Even so, it gave Ferrari supporters a different side of Leclerc during Singapore Grand Prix week. Between posing with Sangwon and delivering the unexpected Jeno greeting, the Monegasque found himself at the centre of a crossover that connected Ferrari with one of the most internationally visible areas of Asian pop culture.
With the promotional appearances complete, attention now returns to the Grand Prix weekend itself. For a few hours, however, Ferrari’s Singapore story was less about lap times and more about the meeting of two very different fan worlds.
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