Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc has revealed that former World Champion Kimi Räikkönen played a pivotal role in inspiring his journey to the pinnacle of motorsport. In a recent interview, the Ferrari driver opened up about the significant impression the Finnish racing legend made on him during his childhood, as he dreamed of one day reaching Formula 1.
“When I think about a driver who served as a reference point for me, I would say Kimi,” Leclerc shared. “He was the one I looked up to as a child, dreaming of becoming an F1 driver. What struck me most was his simplicity—there were no façades or filters. He showed himself exactly as he was, and that really fascinated me.”
Kimi Räikkönen, affectionately known as “The Iceman” for his famously cool and composed demeanour, won the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship with Ferrari. Renowned for his straight-talking nature and disinterest in the media spotlight, Räikkönen carved out a unique identity within the sport. His preference for letting his on-track performance speak for itself, coupled with his authenticity, earned him the admiration of fans worldwide—including a young and aspiring Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc made his Formula 1 debut in 2018 with Sauber and had the unique opportunity to share the grid with Räikkönen during his rookie season. The following year, Leclerc secured a seat at Ferrari, the same team with which Räikkönen had won his championship title. Since then, the Monegasque has blossomed into one of the sport’s standout talents, claiming multiple Grand Prix victories and becoming a central figure in Ferrari’s ongoing pursuit of championship glory.
Leclerc’s heartfelt admiration for Räikkönen not only pays tribute to the 2007 champion’s legacy but also underscores the lasting influence that past greats can have on emerging drivers. While Leclerc is steadily forging his own path within Formula 1, his deep respect for Räikkönen’s honesty, individuality, and driving excellence is a testament to how one athlete’s character can shape the aspirations of the next generation.
As Leclerc continues to strive for further success with the Scuderia, it is clear that Räikkönen’s ethos—staying true to oneself, cutting through the noise, and letting performance on the track do the talking—remains a guiding inspiration in both his approach to racing and his public persona.
