Not every glory-seeking motorsport driver embraces a dream start in Formula 1, but, Charles Leclerc was unquestionably one of the chosen ones. After a subtle debut outing with Alfa Romeo, the Monegasque earned a seat at the iconic Scuderia Ferrari in 2019 alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. The hype was unreal, as the Tifosi envisioned a dramatic Ferrari resurgence in F1 after over a decade.
However, in reality, that wasn’t the case, at least through the early part of the season; Ferrari visibly struggled for pace against the ever-dominant Lewis Hamilton and his unstoppable Mercedes. Despite overpowering the Mercedes in a handful of qualifying sessions, the Maranello outfit had no answers to their searing race pace.
F1 King of Straights vs King of Corners – Belgium 2019 Ferrari vs 2020 Mercedes pic.twitter.com/ySnzLQq068
— No Mayki No (@F1F2F3immortal) August 20, 2022
Weeks went by, and updates came in, but the hierarchy remained unchanged – Mercedes followed by Ferrari and Red Bull Racing. Then arrived the Belgian Grand Prix, a weekend that finally fulfilled, not only the dream of Leclerc but also the Tifosi. But, before we get there, let’s take a look at Leclerc’s glorious outing in the feeder series that led him to this moment.
Charles Leclerc’s first-ever race victory in the Formula series
A lot of F1 fans may well know Leclerc’s debut victory in F1, but, many remain unaware of his remarkable success story in Formula 2 and GP3. The Monaco-based driver made his debut in the Formula Series by joining the F3 grid in 2015.
While he failed to lift the title, he certainly didn’t fail to put up a grand show on the track. At the age of 17, Leclerc claimed his first-ever victory in only the third round of the season at Silverstone and eventually secured P4 in the standings behind Antonio Giovinazzi, but, ahead of Lance Stroll, George Russell, and Alex Albon.
2016: GP3 champion
2017: F2 champion
2018: F1 rookie season
2019: Ferrari driver@Charles_Leclerc just keeps on rising… pic.twitter.com/glFWSR2OeF— Formula 1 (@F1) September 11, 2018
This caught the attention of several GP3 teams, as Leclerc ultimately chose ART Grand Prix as his outfit for the 2016 season. Another stellar outing, as he went on to clinch his first championship title since marching into the territory of the FIA.
Then arrived his stint in Formula 2, where Leclerc effortlessly fought through the season to clinch his consecutive title in two years. This subsequently cleared his path to Formula 1, and his long-dreamt union with Ferrari.
When did Charles Leclerc win his first F1 race?
The odds of Ferrari dominating the 2019 Belgian GP weekend were quite high, considering their supreme straight-line speed. And, true to the predictions, Leclerc went on to defeat the Mercedes pair to claim, what was then his third Formula 1 pole position.
However, then unfolded the horrifying F2 crash on the very same circuit, which took the life of Leclerc’s close friend, Anthoine Hubert. Leclerc, though, kept his head down and went on to win his first F1 race victory of his career at Spa, pulling off a grandeur end to the bittersweet weekend.
The Ferrari driver looked up to the sky as he got out of the car in the parc ferme, before running to his engineers. Furthermore, Leclerc dedicated his triumph to the late Hubert, with whom he had raced since childhood.
“Yeah, on the one hand, I’ve got a dream since being as child that has been realised. But on the other hand it has been a very difficult weekend since yesterday. We have lost a friend first of all. It is very difficult in these situations, so I would like to dedicate my first win to him,” Leclerc said during the post-race interview.
Charles Leclerc looks back on his earliest memories racing alongside his friend, Anthoine Hubert#AH19 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h0jWZS1yQZ
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 27, 2020
“We have grown up together – my first ever race I have done it with Anthoine and there was Esteban here – and just shame what happened yesterday. I can’t enjoy fully my first victory but it will definitely be a memory I will keep forever,” he added, as he bid adieu to the Belgian GP and also his childhood friend, Hubert.
After having cherished his Formula 1 debut at the age of 20, Leclerc hasn’t been able to replicate the wild anticipations that had been echoing around in the paddock. Many predicted the Monegasque to be a world champion sooner than ever. But, 5 years on, Leclerc is still searching for his first dream title with Ferrari. Hence, will Leclerc’s future take a turn for the better and offer him a chance to battle for the championship?