Source – formula1.com
Charles Leclerc has his sights set on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, another legendary motorsport event.
Charles Leclerc’s rise in motorsport has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by triumphs on some of the world’s most prestigious circuits. As the Monegasque sensation continues to assert himself as one of Formula 1’s brightest stars, his ambition has expanded beyond the confines of single-seater racing. Fresh off iconic victories at both Monaco and Monza, Leclerc is eyeing a new challenge: the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that has defined endurance racing for decades and one that holds a special allure for drivers across motorsport disciplines.
Ferrari, a team steeped in history, has been synonymous with success in Formula 1 for over seven decades. However, in recent years, the famed prancing horse has renewed its focus on endurance racing, reclaiming its place as a dominant force in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). In 2024, Ferrari came tantalizingly close to achieving motorsport’s fabled “Triple Crown,” securing victories in two-thirds of this elusive accolade. Leclerc’s brilliant win at the Monaco Grand Prix and Ferrari’s resounding triumph at Le Mans with the #50 AF Corse car were monumental moments that reignited the team’s competitive spirit. These triumphs are now immortalized at the historic entrance to Maranello, where flags wave proudly, celebrating Ferrari’s dual success in both Formula 1 and endurance racing.
The atmosphere surrounding Ferrari in 2024 was nothing short of electric. On the same day that Leclerc secured a victory at Monza—Ferrari’s home turf—the AF Corse team made history by winning the 6 Hours of COTA in the WEC. For the first time ever, a manufacturer claimed victories in both Formula 1 and endurance racing on the same day, cementing Ferrari’s place in the annals of motorsport history. For many, this achievement marked a golden age for the World Endurance Championship, showcasing the brand’s versatility across different racing formats.
Leclerc, having etched his name into the history books with his Formula 1 victories, now has his sights firmly set on Le Mans. In a recent interview, the Monegasque revealed that racing in the iconic 24-hour event is one of his ultimate career goals. “I absolutely want to race at Le Mans one day,” Leclerc said, his passion for the event clear. “I’m not thinking much about the Indianapolis 500, but Le Mans is something I’m sure of. I hope it happens soon.” His words reflect the same burning desire that many racing greats have had—a need to conquer not just Formula 1 but the other pinnacles of motorsport as well.
The allure of Le Mans is undeniable, and many former F1 drivers have found their way into the world of endurance racing. Nico Hulkenberg took victory in 2015, while Fernando Alonso claimed two Le Mans wins in 2018 and 2019. Both drivers capitalized on free weekends in the F1 calendar to achieve these feats, a luxury Leclerc is unlikely to have in the current era of packed race schedules. The idea of an F1 driver balancing a full-time WEC commitment may seem far-fetched, but for Leclerc, the dream remains alive, even if the logistics are complicated.
One of the more tantalizing possibilities for Leclerc lies in Ferrari’s ability to facilitate a one-off appearance at Le Mans. With both its Formula 1 and WEC programs under the same roof, Ferrari could offer Leclerc the opportunity to race at the famed Circuit de la Sarthe in the future. Leclerc also shares a close bond with Antonio Fuoco, the 2024 Le Mans winner, further strengthening the potential for a cameo appearance in the endurance classic. However, the idea of having to “bench” one of the current AF Corse drivers for Leclerc is an awkward prospect that the team would have to navigate delicately.
Unfortunately for Leclerc, 2025 is already off the table. The Le Mans race date clashes directly with the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, making it impossible for him to participate in both. Despite this setback, the momentum behind Ferrari’s return to endurance racing—and Leclerc’s desire to be a part of it—is only growing stronger. The recent resurgence of Ferrari in WEC has rekindled dreams of racing legends from the past, and Leclerc is poised to be one of the next great Ferrari drivers to leave his mark in this prestigious series.
As the years progress, it seems inevitable that more Formula 1 stars will make their way to the world’s most famous endurance race. Le Mans, with its rich history and unique challenges, offers drivers a completely different racing experience. The notion of seeing Leclerc, Ferrari’s golden boy, behind the wheel of a 499P racing for victory at Le Mans is something that excites fans and pundits alike. While the timing may not yet be right, Leclerc’s ambition to conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains a thrilling prospect for Ferrari and the motorsport world.
The road ahead for Leclerc is one filled with possibilities, and while Formula 1 remains his primary focus, his dream of Le Mans lingers. With Ferrari’s renewed commitment to endurance racing, and the stars aligning in various ways, the Monegasque could one day stand atop the Le Mans podium, bringing yet another chapter of glory to the legendary prancing horse.
