TheRaceWorks Blog
Charles Leclerc Driver Profile
Charles Leclerc - Scuderia’s Prince of Precision Early Life & Racing DNA Born 16 October 1997 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Charles Leclerc was destined for the cockpit from the start. The son of Hervé, a former Formula 3 driver, and Pascale, he cut his teeth in karting-eventually becoming the 2011 Junior Karting World Cup champion. He climbed through the junior ranks, impressing in Formula Renault and F2 on his way to a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2018 with Sauber. Stepping into Ferrari His blistering pace at Sauber fast-tracked him to Scuderia Ferrari in 2019, where he replaced Kimi Räikkönen. That debut season was an instant hit: he not only outqualified and outpaced Sebastian Vettel, but also secured pole in Bahrain and Monza, and claimed his first F1 victory at Spa - followed by another in Monza. Master of Qualifying Charles is renowned for his one-lap brilliance. He holds the record for the most pole positions without winning a championship and dominated qualifying in junior categories as well. Wheel‑to‑Wheel Grit Off the starting line, he delivers with equal tenacity. From his fierce battles with Max Verstappen to defending from Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, Leclerc is unafraid of close-quarters racing - earning him the moniker il Predestinato (“the Predestined”) in Italian media. Emotional Highs and Passionate Spirit Few moments capture Leclerc’s emotional intensity like his triumphant 2024 Monaco Grand Prix victory - the first Monegasque win at his home race since 1931. It was both Ferrari’s first Monaco win since 2017 and a deeply personal milestone for the driver. Off-track, Leclerc has found solace in music, even composing and releasing a piano piece during downtime - a creative outlet that showcases his thoughtful, grounded personality. Career Highlights at a Glance Full Name Charles Leclerc DOB & Place 16 Oct 1997, Monte Carlo, Monaco F1 Debut 2018 Australian GP (Sauber) Total GPs Entered ~163 (161 starts, as of mid-2025) Career Points 1,581 Race Wins 8 Podiums 48 Pole Positions 27 DNFs ~25 Sprint Wins 0 (no sprint victories) Sprint Poles 0 (none recorded) Win % (All GPs) ~5.0% (8 wins / 161 starts) Podium % ~30.0% (48 / 161) Hat-tricks (Pole + Win + FL) 2 Team History Sauber (2018), Ferrari (2019–present) Current Season Outlook - Rising Again Despite a rocky start to 2025, Charles roared back in qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix, earning what he described as the most unexpected pole of his career after an “extremely difficult” session. However, race day brought challenges: despite leading from the front, a chassis issue disrupted his rhythm and dropped him behind the two McLarens and George Russell - leading to a fiery radio moment that was later clarified with technical insight. Through it all, Leclerc remains a figure of Ferrari’s identity - driven by passion, shaping every lap with heart and craft.
Lando Norris Driver Profile
A rising star for McLaren, Norris has quickly become one of the most loved figures in Formula One. From his raw racing talent on the track, to his infectious enthusiasm off of it, it’s easy to see how the young driver became a fan favourite faster than a lap around the Monza. Have you ever wanted to know exactly what drove him towards his rapid success? How about the road he almost took instead of F1 racing? Or, how about his go-to favourite dinner? You’re in luck, because we’re answering all these questions and more. Buckle in, and let’s get going.
