In the world of motorsports, few talents have risen as meteorically as young Charles Leclerc. His journey from a young karting enthusiast to a recognized racing sensation is nothing short of remarkable.
Given the right car, he is capable of driving at the front of the grid. He is one of the few drivers who is capable of taking on the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Young Charles Leclerc came from Karting Beginnings
Young Charles Leclerc’s passion for racing was evident from a tender age. He began karting at five, and by the time he was seven, he clinched victory in the Mini category at the Monaco Kart Cup. 2009 saw him making a significant mark in the KF2 category, where he secured a commendable ninth-place overall, marked by one victory and three podium finishes.
His trajectory in karting was steep, quickly advancing to KF1. In this category, Leclerc showcased his prowess by capturing numerous titles including the European Championship, World Cup, WSK Masters, and CIK-FIA Super Cup.
2010 further underscored his karting dominance, as Leclerc seized both the Italian and European KF3 championships. The same year, he added the WSK World Series KF3 title to his rapidly expanding trophy cabinet.
By 2011, he was unstoppable in karting circuits, clinching the CIK-FIA World Karting Championships and the CIK-FIA Super Cup in KF2.
Young Charles Leclerc – Transition to Higher Levels
Venturing into the French F4 championship in 2012, Leclerc faced challenges. Despite participating in several rounds, he couldn’t score points, largely due to mechanical setbacks and on-track incidents.
However, his debut in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 was more notable. He finished seventh overall and stood on the podium after a race at Hungaroring. In 2013, he furthered his association with Eurocup, but also participated in Formula Renault 2.0 Alps, narrowly missing the top spot to finish second overall, just behind Kevin Jorg, who would subsequently become his teammate.
Leclerc’s impressive form in Formula Renault 2.0 in 2013 ensured he finished as the runner-up, this time trailing Will Palmer.
Young Charles Leclerc – Dominance in Formula 3 and GP3
Having left an indelible mark in the karting arena, Leclerc transitioned to Formula 3 in 2015. He immediately stamped his authority by clinching the championship in his debut season. However, he had to settle for third place overall, lagging behind Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll.
2016 saw him shine in GP3, winning three races. He also briefly joined the Prema Power team in GP2 as a replacement for Max Verstappen, securing a respectable second place overall with two race wins, trailing only Stoffel Vandoorne.
Leclerc’s Ascent to Formula 2
Not one to rest on his laurels, Leclerc ascended to Formula 2. True to form, he continued his streak of impressing both critics and fans alike. In 2017, he dominated the championship, boasting six race victories and an astounding eight pole positions.
From his early days in karting to his achievements in higher formulae, Charles Leclerc’s racing journey has been one of passion, dedication, and undeniable skill.
