Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc has revealed that former World Champion Kimi Räikkönen was a key inspiration in his journey to the sport. In a recent interview, the Ferrari driver shared how the Finnish racing icon left a lasting impression on him as a child dreaming of making it to F1.
“Thinking about a driver who has made a reference point, I’d say Kimi,” Leclerc said. “It was him I was looking at as a child when dreaming of driving in Formula 1 one day. I liked his simplicity—there weren’t filters, he showed himself for what he was, and that fascinated me.”
Räikkönen, known as “The Iceman” for his cool demeanor and no-nonsense attitude, won the 2007 F1 World Championship with Ferrari. His direct approach, both on and off the track, made him one of the sport’s most unique and beloved personalities. Despite his minimal media engagement and preference for letting his driving do the talking, Räikkönen gained a massive fan following, including a young Leclerc.
Leclerc, who made his F1 debut in 2018 and joined Ferrari in 2019, had the opportunity to race alongside Räikkönen in his rookie season at Sauber before taking his seat at Ferrari. Since then, he has emerged as one of the sport’s top talents, earning multiple race wins and establishing himself as a key figure in Ferrari’s pursuit of championship success.
The Monegasque driver’s admiration for Räikkönen highlights the enduring legacy of the 2007 champion, whose influence continues to shape the next generation of F1 drivers. While Leclerc has carved his own path in the sport, his respect for Räikkönen’s authenticity and driving prowess serves as a reminder of the impact one driver can have on the dreams of future racers.
As Leclerc aims for further success with Ferrari, his inspiration from Räikkönen may continue to shape his approach both on and off the track—keeping it simple, staying true to himself, and letting his driving speak for itself.
