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Charles Leclerc Says He Knew at Age 3 He Was Born to Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 3:44 AM ET

For Charles Leclerc, the dream of becoming a F1 driver wasn’t something that developed over time—it was almost instant. The Ferrari star recently revealed that his passion for racing began when he was just a toddler, a moment that would go on to define the rest of his life.

Asked when he first felt his love for racing come alive, Leclerc didn’t hesitate. “The first time I’ve ever raced in karting, I was probably three and a half years old,” he said.

“The moment I felt a passion for racing was since the first time I’ve ever raced in karting. I asked on the way back to my father that this is what I wanted to do while I would be older.”

That early spark of determination set Leclerc on a path few could imagine at such a young age. While he admits he couldn’t have understood the sacrifices and challenges ahead, the feeling was undeniable. “I straight away knew that I loved karting and driving in general,” he explained.

From those first laps in a kart to becoming Ferrari’s reading man in Formula 1, the journey has been one of relentless commitment. Leclerc’s story resonates not just because of his talent, but because of the sheer clarity he had as a child — a vision that still drives him today.

For fans, it’s another reminder of the special connection Leclerc has with racing. His journey wasn’t born out of chance, but out of a love discovered before most children have even started school.