Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc is set to reach a whole new audience this weekend, featuring in a Pokémon advertisement for the franchise’s 30th anniversary during the Super Bowl. While much of the United States will be focused on the football field, Pokémon fans and F1 enthusiasts alike have something to look forward to in the ad breaks.
Pokémon’s upcoming campaign has already generated buzz, thanks in part to a leaked clip that surfaced ahead of the Super Bowl. The short teaser, shared by leaker Centro, shows Leclerc alongside pop icon Lady Gaga and rising star Young Miko, highlighting an unexpected yet striking mix of talent. The trio is pictured with three Pokémon: Gengar, Growlithe, and Jigglypuff.
In the clip, each celebrity seems to explain why they love their respective Pokémon, hinting that the final advertisement will celebrate the franchise’s enormous variety of creatures and its lasting appeal over three decades. Charles Leclerc’s involvement is particularly notable, as it demonstrates how global brands are increasingly leveraging sports stars outside their usual arenas to connect with wider audiences.
This ad is part of a broader trend for Pokémon, which is also promoting the upcoming Pokémon 30th Anniversary initiatives. The campaign follows previous successful tie-ins, such as Super Mario Bros. Galaxy, which also used Super Bowl spots to reach millions of viewers. By including Charles Leclerc, Pokémon bridges the worlds of gaming, pop culture, and international motorsport, making this ad one of the most anticipated spots of the year.
Fans of Charles Leclerc will enjoy seeing him in a completely different role, far from the race track, while Pokémon enthusiasts get an early taste of the celebratory campaign. It’s a rare moment where motorsport meets global pop culture, demonstrating the increasing crossover appeal of Formula 1 drivers beyond traditional sporting boundaries.
As the 30th anniversary celebrations kick off, this ad is expected to be just the beginning of Pokémon’s expansive marketing efforts for 2026, offering fans multiple opportunities to engage with both the brand and one of F1’s most popular drivers.
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