Charles Leclerc, age 27, has become one of Formula One’s brightest stars—and his estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2025 proves it. Since debuting in F1, the Monegasque driver has raced his way into global fame, representing the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team while earning millions both on and off the track. With a career that began in karting and quickly accelerated through the ranks, Leclerc’s rise has been nothing short of thrilling.
How Did Charles Leclerc Begin His Racing Career?
Born on October 16, 1997, in the glamorous city-state of Monte Carlo, Monaco, Charles Leclerc was practically raised on speed. Racing runs in his blood—his father, Hervé, was a former racing driver, and his godfather was the late Jules Bianchi, an F1 driver whose legacy inspired Charles from a young age.
Leclerc first stepped into a kart at the age of 8, and by 2005, he was already winning regional titles in the French PACA Championship. His karting success was no fluke—he dominated the circuits for years, collecting trophies at a national and international level, including the CIK-FIA World Cup and Junior Monaco Kart Cup.
What Was His Journey Through the Junior Racing Ranks?
Leclerc transitioned to single-seater racing in 2014 with a debut in the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps Series. In his rookie season, he impressed with seven podiums and clinched the Junior Championship. He followed that up with a strong 2015 season in Formula 3, winning multiple races and finishing second in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.
The momentum continued into 2016 when Leclerc joined the GP3 Series with ART Grand Prix. He wrapped up the season with the championship title, despite a crash in the final round. One year later, he conquered Formula 2 with Prema Racing—earning six pole positions in a row and taking home the title in his rookie season. That win put him in elite company and made it clear: F1 was calling.
When Did Charles Leclerc Join Formula One?
Leclerc’s entry into Formula One came in 2018 with Sauber. It was a breakthrough year—not only did he consistently outperform expectations, but he also became the first Monégasque F1 driver since 1994. His results and racecraft caught the attention of the sport’s most legendary team—Scuderia Ferrari.
In 2019, Leclerc joined Ferrari and immediately made headlines. He secured his first pole position and podium early in the season and went on to win his maiden Grand Prix in Belgium. A week later, he claimed victory at Monza, making him the youngest Ferrari race winner ever. He ended the season with the most pole positions of any driver—seven—and solidified himself as the future of Ferrari.
How Much Does Charles Leclerc Earn in F1?
Leclerc is among the highest-paid drivers on the F1 grid. His Ferrari contract brings in a base salary of at least $25 million per year, not including performance bonuses and endorsements. In 2021, he extended his deal with Ferrari through 2024, and while the exact terms haven’t been publicly confirmed, industry insiders estimate it includes bonuses that could push his earnings significantly higher.
Leclerc’s growing popularity has also landed him endorsement deals with luxury brands and sponsors in the motorsports world. His polished image, charm, and style make him a natural fit for luxury fashion and watch companies, adding even more to his growing fortune.
What Are Leclerc’s Career Highlights So Far?
Leclerc’s F1 journey has been packed with highlights:
- 2019: First career wins at Belgium and Italy, most pole positions of the season.
- 2022: Dominated the Australian Grand Prix with his first career grand slam (pole, win, fastest lap, led every lap) and finished second in the Drivers’ Championship.
- 2023: Secured multiple podiums in Azerbaijan, Austria, and Belgium, continuing to show top-tier consistency.
Even when Ferrari faced challenges with car performance, Leclerc’s talent and control stood out. Whether it’s in qualifying or long races, his ability to extract the most from the car is undeniable.
What Is Charles Leclerc Like Off the Track?
Despite the glitz and glamor of Monaco and F1 fame, Leclerc keeps a surprisingly grounded lifestyle. He’s known for his loyalty to his home country and family. His younger brother, Arthur, is also a racing driver, and the Leclerc family remains close-knit.
He’s passionate about music and often plays the piano to unwind. Fans get occasional glimpses into his off-track life through social media, where he shares everything from travel photos to behind-the-scenes Ferrari moments.
Is Charles Leclerc Involved in Philanthropy?
Absolutely. Leclerc was named an ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in 2018, an organization focused on water safety, education, and sports programs for children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played an active role in relief efforts, delivering meals and transporting medical supplies with the Monaco Red Cross.
He’s also supported initiatives by the Italian Red Cross and continues to use his platform to give back, particularly to causes tied to youth and community well-being.
What’s Next for Charles Leclerc?
With Ferrari continuously working to build a championship-winning car, Leclerc remains focused on the ultimate goal—becoming an F1 World Champion. His current contract runs through 2024, and speculation around his next move continues to swirl. Will he extend with Ferrari? Could he become the face of another top-tier team?
What’s certain is that Charles Leclerc is still on the rise. He’s already achieved more in his 20s than most do in a lifetime, and his mix of speed, smarts, and style makes him one of the most marketable—and admired—figures in all of motorsport.
