Five questions for Charles Leclerc

Formula 1 fans, this one’s for you. Charles Leclerc is a name that needs no introduction – but if you need to get up to speed, the 27-year-old Scuderia Ferrari driver made history last year as the first Monégasque to win the Monaco Grand Prix. Since his home soil victory, he’s been no stranger to success – setting new lap records and becoming the youngest pole-sitter in The Prancing Horse’s history along the way.  

And while he quite literally lives life in the fast lane, he hit the brakes to join us for a Q&A ahead of the 2025 season’s start. Leclerc opened up about life on and off the track, his most memorable motorsport moment, and even where to make the perfect pit stop in Monaco for the weekend. 

We’re visiting Monaco for the weekend. Where should we go? 

Monaco is my home. I know every street and every corner, and I’m lucky enough to race through them during the Monaco Grand Prix every year. It’s where I grew up, so it will always have a special place in my heart. But if I had to choose three must-visit places, I’d say the Oceanographic Museum, the Place du Casino, and Tête de Chien (a short hike up offers a panoramic view of the entire city). And if you love Formula 1, nothing beats walking the track. 

Aside from winning the Monaco Grand Prix, what is the most memorable thing you’ve experienced so far? 

Living life as a Formula 1 driver. Sometimes, I have to take a step back and remind myself that I’m living my childhood dream. If I had to choose one moment other than Monaco, it would be winning in Monza in 2019 – it was one of the best days of my life. Winning the Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari, in front of the tifosi, was indescribable. There was so much pressure, but also so much passion and support. It’s something I will never forget.  

The race season is intense, and you travel all over the world to compete. How do you like to relax during the off-season? 

I travel so much throughout the year that the best way to recharge is by coming home. There’s nothing better than spending time in Monaco with my friends and family. Taking my boat out on the open water with my loved ones is one of the most peaceful things I can do. I’ve always loved the sea and driving, so combining the two is really special. Playing the piano also helps me disconnect – when I play, I get lost in it, and it makes me feel fully present and relaxed.  

For many Quintessentially members, their true luxury is time. What does luxury mean to you? 

I agree. Luxury can take many forms, but to me, time is the ultimate one. I have a very busy schedule, so I don’t have much free time to spend with my friends and family, which is what I value the most. True luxury is about being with the people I love, sharing experiences with them, and appreciating what I have. I get to experience a lot of incredible things in my life, but sometimes it happens so fast that I don’t have time to truly reflect on them. 

Finally, if Quintessentially were to organise your perfect day, what would that look like? 

A perfect day for me would be simple: spending time with my family and the people I love. I’m very active, so it would also need to include some adrenaline or a bit of competition. Being from Monaco, I’d want to be near the sea. There’s something special about being out on the water, just enjoying the moment. Beyond that, everything else is secondary. Good company, blue skies, and, when possible, the open sea – that’s all I need.