Experience is the Biggest Challenge

Despite his relatively young age, motorsport racer Arthur Leclerc has had an exceptional journey toward his dream. He shares an exclusive insight into the sacrifices and challenges that have brought him to where he is today. His story proves that success is not a straight line, but rather a path paved with ups and downs, a journey where persistence and self-belief are key.

What career would you have chosen if you weren’t in motorsport? Did you ever dream of being something like a firefighter or an astronaut as a child?

“Definitely not a firefighter—I’m scared of fire,” Arthur starts with a big laugh. “It’s something I thought about when I was younger, but I never really found the answer. 

Since I can remember, I’ve always been in love with motorsport. And even though I was doing sim racing before, I’m sure I would’ve found a way into some part of the racing world.”

You’re one of three brothers, and car racing was a part of your upbringing, but in very different ways.

“I come from a very modest background, but our parents always tried to support us. Of course, at some point, my older brother Lorenzo pursued a different career, even though he was great at karting. 

I had to focus on sim racing because we didn’t have the budget for both of us to race.”

While most people picture the Principality of Monaco as the playground of the rich, where wealthy kids are spoiled, in reality, this is far from the truth. One of the most attractive aspects of Monaco is its safety for families. And even though this city-state has the highest density of millionaires —one in every three people,— nearly 70% of the population consists of regular families, just like the Leclerc family.

Did you often watch the Monaco Grand Prix as a child?

“Yes, of course. Monaco is where I was born, and the Grand Prix is a huge event for us. My first vivid memory is when I was really young—maybe around seven years old. I went with my parents and brothers to watch the Grand Prix. 

I remember the engines were so loud, and it was a bit painful for my ears! But just being part of such an iconic event, even as a spectator, will always be a great memory.”

When it comes to the iconic Monaco track, do you prefer the Historic Grand Prix or Formula 1?

“It’s two completely different things. I’d say Formula 1 because the level is higher, and I’m involved in the development. My brother competes there as well. The answer is more complex, but for me, F1 is just a bit more exciting to watch.”

Although Arthur won the Kart Racing Academy championship in 2014, his karting career hit a pause as the family decided to prioritize his brother Charles. With limited finances, Arthur had to step back from karting for a while. Despite the financial struggles to fund his racing, his passion never disappeared, and he found his way back to the track.

What inspired you to pursue a career in motorsport?

“As a kid, I didn’t know racing was an expensive sport, and I just accepted that fact. I wasn’t the best student —I spent more time laughing than studying! But I always found a way back to racing, whether through sim racing with friends or watching my brother compete.”

The breakthrough came in 2018 when Arthur got the chance to enter the French F4 Championship.

“I never expected to get the opportunity to return to motorsport. But thanks to my uncle, just before I turned 17, I got the chance to get back behind the wheel.”

Some critics said Arthur started his racing career at a relatively late age of 17. However, he quickly silenced them by immediately being on form and claiming his first single-seater victory in just his second race. In his debut season, Arthur claimed six more podiums and finished fifth in the championship with his team, Prema Racing.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my uncle for his support and belief in me, as he financed my first season. By doing that, he gave me the opportunity to return to motorsport.”

What was the most challenging part of transitioning from karting to higher levels of racing?

“The biggest difference for me is that in sim racing, you can train as much as you want. You just turn on the PlayStation and play all day, every day. But in real-life racing, you need a budget to test.”

Do you consider the lack of budget to be the biggest challenge for a driver?

“I remember before my first race, I could only afford one day of testing with the car, while others had up to two weeks of practice. 

Looking back, that was always my biggest disadvantage: not having the same amount of testing or experience as others. 

I started late, at 17, and there was this big gap. So, in the end, I’d say experience was my biggest challenge.”

Looking back to his career so far, Arthur finished sixth in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing, before stepping up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2023 with DAMS. He was the runner-up during the 2020 Formula Regional European Championship and the 2022 Formula Regional Asian champion. 

He is also the champion of the 2024 Italian GT Endurance Championship together with Giancarlo Fisichella and Tommaso Mosca. Arthur currently serves as the development driver for Scuderia Ferrari.

When you’re not racing, how do you unwind?

“I feel lucky to work with Ferrari because they’re just four hours away from Monaco. This gives me the chance to often return, especially on weekends, to see my friends and relax a bit. 

I’ve never been this busy, though, because I’m doing endurance racing and the F1 development program with Ferrari. It keeps me busy, but I love it because I’m driving a lot more than I used to. 

I get to drive the Formula 1 car, the endurance race car, and I even tested the Ferrari 499P Hypercar and GT3. I’m involved in so many different areas, and it never feels like work because it’s my passion. It was always my dream to get the opportunity to test and drive.”

Do you think Formula One drivers are more competitive than those in other series like endurance racing?

“In Formula 1, you have the best of the best. There’s no doubt about that. The level is insane, and it’s always the 20 best drivers on the grid. But the competition in endurance racing is also incredibly high. 

There are plenty of F1 drivers who move into endurance racing. Sadly, it’s often underrated, but there are some massive names and constructors there. Still, I believe the level in F1 is slightly higher.”

What’s been your most memorable race or moment so far?

“I think my first lap in Monaco. It was so emotional and memorable. Growing up here, getting the chance to drive on my home circuit is hard to describe. 

It was a peak moment in my life because, as a kid, we always watched the Monaco Grand Prix, and I dreamed of one day competing there. That was definitely one of my best memories.”

Arthur is no stranger to Ferrari. After leaving their Academy in 2023, he became a development driver with the team. In December 2024, Ferrari gave the Leclerc brothers a historic moment, as Arthur and Charles became the first brothers to drive in an F1 session as teammates.

He had the chance to get behind the wheel of the SF-24 alongside his brother in a special moment for the family, marking the culmination of years of hard work to bring both siblings to the top level of motorsport.

“In the end, we were both testing. I filled in for Carlos (Sainz) to help set up the car for qualifying and the race. 

In Abu Dhabi, the team was very close to winning the Constructors’ title, so the goal was to avoid mistakes because I knew that due to the strict regulations there are limited parts available in F1. 

It was just incredible to share the track with my brother in Ferrari, alongside all the F1 drivers. It made it even more special.”

Apparently, all Ferrari drivers have a dog. Lewis has Roscoe, Charles has Leo, Carlos has Piñón. Have you thought about getting one?

“I’m a little too busy,” Arthur giggles. “It’s tricky for me to have a dog because I’m not home enough. It wouldn’t be fair to the dog either if I had to leave him with someone all the time. I’d love to have one, but I think it’s just too early.”

What’s your favorite activity in Monaco when you’re here?

“I play a bit of golf and piano. Both are great ways to relax, and I really enjoy them.”

How do you stay healthy both mentally and physically?

“When I was younger, I struggled more with emotions, especially when I didn’t feel successful in my sport. It took a mental toll on me and affected my whole life, not just my racing. 

I took everything personally, and that naturally affected my personal life too. But luckily, with age and experience, I learned to detach.

Nowadays, I try to keep my private life and racing life separate. I think that’s really important to maintain a healthy balance. Not letting emotions from one affect the other is key, and it helps keep things professional in my sport.”

What would you want your legacy to be in motorsport?

“To be honest, I want to win everything,” Arthur laughs. “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is already the best race in the world for me, and I’d love to win it with Ferrari. My other dream is to win a Formula 1 championship.”

What would be your advice for aspiring race drivers?

“Never give up and always push for your dream. It’s not just about motorsport; it applies to everything in life. When you have a dream, you need to give everything, you have and work hard for it.”

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Monaco over the past 20 years?

“I’ve always loved living here, and I think Monaco just keeps getting better. Look at the recent land extension project—it’s a great example. Monaco is the best place to be in the world. We can’t complain. For me, I’m just really happy to live here.”