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Charles Leclerc Opens Up About His Deep Connection to Italy and Ferrari
Charles Leclerc has once again shown why his bond with Scuderia Ferrari runs far deeper than a mere professional contract, revealing that Italy is a second home to him in every sense. Speaking candidly about his upbringing and career journey, the Monegasque driver explained that his relationship with Italy began long before he joined the iconic Maranello-based Formula 1 team, tracing back to his earliest days in karting.
“I grew up in Italy. It’s the nation that is closest to me, where relationships are most natural,” Leclerc shared. “Also because I grew up there since I was a child, in the days of karting, all my mechanics were Italian too. We’ve always had relationships that were more than professional, unforgettable even on a human level. For these reasons, the culture that has remained with me is Italian. It’s something natural, something that goes beyond simple feeling.”
Leclerc’s comments underline the special affinity he feels for the Italian culture and people — a connection forged not in F1 paddocks but on dusty karting tracks, in small workshops, and through countless shared meals and laughs with his Italian team members. These formative experiences have left a mark that continues to shape his outlook both on and off the track.
The 26-year-old Ferrari star’s love for Italy is not just about language or location; it is about shared values and mutual respect. Growing up in the motorsport-rich environment of Italy allowed him to develop not only as a racer but also as a person. The relationships he formed with his mechanics, coaches, and peers became family-like bonds, where trust and loyalty were paramount.
For Ferrari fans, Leclerc’s words are yet another reminder of why he is seen not just as a driver for the team, but as part of its heart and soul. Unlike some drivers who join Ferrari later in their careers with little cultural connection to Italy, Leclerc embodies the spirit of the Prancing Horse through lived experience. His immersion in the Italian way of life gives him a unique edge in understanding the passion and pride that define Ferrari’s global reputation.
Leclerc’s relationship with Ferrari has seen its share of highs and lows since he joined the team in 2019, from stunning race victories to frustrating near-misses. Yet, throughout it all, his commitment to the team and its fans has never wavered. His emotional connection to Italy perhaps explains why he remains steadfast during difficult seasons, knowing that racing for Ferrari is about more than just chasing podiums — it is about honouring a legacy.
As the current F1 season progresses, Leclerc’s remarks could be seen as a rallying call to both the team and the Tifosi. For him, driving the scarlet Ferrari is not just a job; it is an expression of gratitude to a country and culture that has shaped him since his childhood. In an era where drivers are often transient figures moving between teams, Leclerc’s deep-rooted connection to Italy sets him apart as a true ambassador for Ferrari’s values.
For the Tifosi, these words will only deepen their affection for the man who not only drives for Ferrari but also feels, at his core, like one of their own.