INTERVIEW
HM: Is it your father who passed on the passion for motorsports to you?
CL: In the 80s my father used to be a racer and made me familiar with
this sport. When I showed interest in racing he was happy! However,
there was no pressure. I chose myself the career where I wanted to
become a success.
HM: Tell us about your first Formula 1 memory.
CL: It was a long time ago, back when I was a 4-year-old boy.
I was sitting on the terrace with my best friend and we were
playing with cars. At this point, parallel to our game, I was
watching the Grand Prix of Formula 1.
HM: Is there a moment in your career that you could call
a turning point?
CL: There were quite a few moments like that. My first World
Cup in karting is definitely one of the key ones. This victory
introduced me to my current manager Nicolas Todt. The second
important event was joining the Ferrari Academy. Finally, in 2017
I signed a contract with the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. This is a
huge step in my career.
E
For me Monaco, first
of all, is the place
where I was born.
That’s where my
family and friends
live. It’s such a small
and unusual place
where everyone
knows each other.
ven if the Principality has
been a long-time host for the
Formula 1 Grand Prix, Mone-
gasque drivers have very rarely taken part in the
championship. In 1931, Louis Chiron raced his Bu-
gatti T51 to victory, the very first Monegasque to
win the Monaco Grand Prix. It wasn’t until 1994 that another Mone
gasque raced in his home Grand Prix. Olivier Beretta drove for
Larousse, but never managed to climb the podium.
All eyes are now on Charles Leclerc, the 20-year-old Monegasque.
He is a 2016 GP3 Series champion, 2017 Formula 2 champion and
winner of the PACA and French Cadet Championship. He also took
the podium 13 times in the 2015 Formula 3 season. The young
Monegasque is now about to debut in the most prestigious racing
series, Formula 1.
HelloMonaco: This is your first season as a Formula 1 driver. What
are your expectations?
Charles Leclerc: Right now, I would like to gain more experience and
achieve the best result. I am currently doing some regular training. In
addition, it is a very important moment for the team as we are get-
ting the car ready for maximum performance.
HM: What is your usual training day like?
CL: When I’m at home in Monaco, I would train in the morning
and after lunch. I am naturally trying to spend all my spare time
with friends. I travel a lot, so it’s hard to describe my «typical»
training day. In Monaco, it is the same scenario — I use simulator
training and exercise in the gym.
44 / Hello Monaco Spring–Summer 2018
HM: Who played an important role in your
career?
CL: There were several important people.
First of all, my father who helped me a lot.
Then, there is Jules Bianchi whom I can call
my «father» in sports, he also influenced my
career. And, of course, my manager Nicolas
Todt who brought me where I am today.
HM: Which track do you consider the most
difficult?
CL: The one in Le Mans. Its complexity is
above average and it has a number of zones
prone to mistake. The next in technical com-
plexity is the Monaco track.
HM: What are your strong points as a driver?
CL: Working hard.
HM: Who is an inspiration to you?
СL: There are not that many people out there today since I am fo-
cusing on my own self and the best version of me. When I was little
I liked Ayrton Senna. I followed his career through books and films
and I can say that he inspired me.
HM: What do you like most about Monaco?
CL: For me Monaco is, first of all, my place of birth. That’s where my
family and friends live. It’s such a small and unusual place where eve-
ryone knows each other. And there is also a nice beach, always great
weather, and the Grand Prix of course!
HM: You will be the third Monegasque driver to take part in Formu-
la 1. What does this mean to you?
CL: This event is much more prestigious for me than any other.
I will strive for the best result and do everything I can to build an
exciting career.
HM: If you could choose another profession, what would it be?
CL: I really like tennis. Perhaps I could be a manager of a sports team.
In any case, my career would be sports related.
On behalf of the HelloMonaco team, we wish Charles good luck in the
upcoming race Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco! Daghe Munegu!