‘I Said It Lightly’ – Charles Leclerc Clarifies His Comments About Ferrari Le Mans Debut

Earlier this month, Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc had spoken about his willingness to compete in endurance racing. More specifically, the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race. However, his statements did leave fans a bit perplexed, considering he is only three years into a blossoming F1 career.

However, the Monegasque has assured fans that he doesn’t plan to leave the pinnacle of motorsport anytime soon.

The 23-year-old said (translated via Google), “I said it lightly, but it was taken very seriously by the media. It’s a competition that I really like. But I’m 100% focused on F1.”

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2021 is shaping up to be a big season for Leclerc. Everyone is already aware of his talent and ability. After all, he did finish twice on the podium and had a few other impressive results in a season of utter disappointment for Ferrari. It wouldn’t be amiss to say that Charles was the Prancing Horse’s only silver lining last year.

But despite being fully focused on the season at hand, the Monegasque did touch upon what it would mean to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Charles Leclerc on the prospect of racing in Le Mans

The Ferrari ace said, “Since I was little, I have often done endurance races in karting, it remains the best memories I have of karting or in general in the world of motorsport.

“When I was younger, we did the 24 hours de Brignoles, sometimes the 42 hours of Brignoles. We did it with Jules Bianchi, my brothers and a lot of kart drivers from that time and it remained, for me, memories that I will never forget. 

“That’s what makes me want to try it even more, in a very different way and maybe a little more serious because it’s still the 24 hours of Le Mans. Sounds good to me to do them.”

With Ferrari already developing a new car for the top tier of endurance racing, Leclerc may be given the chance to drive in the prestigious race in the future, much like Fernando Alonso had done during his time at McLaren.

However, similar to Alonso, his ambition would be to win a world championship or two before he leaves F1. Leclerc certainly has all the tools at his disposal, and perhaps once the new regulations kick in next year, Charles may soon be a title challenger before long.