Leclerc Open to Le Mans Debut, But Only With Proper Preparation

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has confirmed he is seriously considering a future start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but only if he can commit to a program that gives him a genuine chance to win the legendary endurance race. The Monegasque driver, speaking at the FIA Prize Gala in Tashkent, emphasized that competing in the World Endurance Championship classic is not a casual side project for him.

Why it matters:

Le Mans represents one of motorsport's ultimate challenges, and a top F1 driver's participation significantly elevates the event's profile. For Leclerc, a serious attempt would signal a major commitment beyond his primary F1 duties, following in the footsteps of champions like Fernando Alonso and Nico Hülkenberg, who successfully balanced F1 with Le Mans victories. His interest also highlights the growing prestige and competitive level of the WEC, where Ferrari has recently dominated.

The details:

• Leclerc stated he has "definitely thought about racing there – even a few times," showing his long-standing interest in the event.
• The primary condition for his participation is finding a way to properly combine his Formula 1 schedule with the extensive preparation required for Le Mans. He made it clear: "If I do it, I want to try to win it."
• He expressed admiration for Ferrari's recent WEC success, including their third consecutive Le Mans win in 2025, calling it "very special" and emphasizing the importance of the "Ferrari DNA" across all racing disciplines.
• The main hurdle is the intense, year-round F1 calendar, which leaves little room for an additional top-level program without full team support and meticulous planning.

What's next:

Any potential Le Mans debut for Leclerc hinges on Ferrari facilitating a competitive program. With the Scuderia firmly established as a frontrunner in Hypercar, the infrastructure is in place. The decision will likely depend on the evolving F1 calendar, Leclerc's personal championship ambitions within F1, and Ferrari's willingness to support a dual campaign. For now, it remains a compelling future possibility rather than an imminent plan.