Charles Leclerc believes his late father Hervé was crucial to him making it to F1

Charles Leclerc believes his late father Hervé was crucial to him making it to F1. Charles credits his father for F1 breakthrough.

Racing has always been in the “DNA” of Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, but at the same time the Monegasque feels his late father Hervé was very important on his path to Formula 1. Charles Leclerc, a product of the Ferrari Driver Academy, impressed in his stint in junior racing which led to his Formula 1 debut.

Charles won the GP3 and Formula 2 titles back-to-back in 2016 and 2017, as Ferrari then helped him get a Formula 1 seast with Sauber for the 2018 season. The Monegasque driver needed just one year to show the Maranello team he is worthy of a place in their 2019 line-up.

Since then, Charles Leclerc has won two races for the Italian side and also scored nine pole positions in what is still a relatively fledgling career for the 24-year-old. And the Monegasque driver does not shy away from explaining just how important his father Hervé was on that path to Formula 1.

Hervé was a racer himself, competing in Formula 3 in the 1980s and 1990s, but he sadly passed away in 2017 aged 54, which meant he did not get to see his son compete in Formula 1.

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“My father introduced me to motorsport so I don’t know if I would have become what I am if it weren’t for him,” said Charles Leclerc in an interview for the official Ferrari Magazine – “Even though I think maybe I would have ended up as a racing driver anyway, since it’s in my DNA. It’s what I love doing the most. But I don’t think I would have made it to Formula 1 without him. His example was fundamental for my growth as a driver, as much as a person.” – he explained.

Charles’ younger brother Arthur Leclerc is now also looking to forge his path into Formula 1 under the Ferrari Driver Academy banner.

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Arthur is ready to take part in his second Formula 3 campaign, after securing two wins for Prema in the previous championship. Charles is starting his fourth season with Scuderia Ferrari, as the Italian side is confident it can provide Charles and Carlos with a car capable of winning races in 2022, given the major rule changes which are introduced this season.