This season, the French Grand Prix returns to the F1 calendar after a 2-year hiatus. While it holds a special place in the hearts of French drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, it is also special for Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc.
Ahead of the weekend, the Ferrari driver revealed a helmet designed specifically for the French Grand Prix. The Monegasque mentioned his inspiration behind the design of the helmet and its significance to the 23-year-old.
Charles Leclerc reveals an inspired helmet for the French Grand Prix
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The Monegasque is a product of the Ferrari driver academy. He made his F1 debut in the 2018 season with Sauber, bringing home multiple points finishes during that season. After an impressive 2018, Leclerc joined Ferrari on a 5-year contract starting from the 2019 season.
At Le Castellet, the Monegasque revealed a special helmet he will use this weekend. Leclerc revealed the design is the same as his first helmet during his karting days 19 years ago.
In addition, he designed the helmet himself at just 5 years old. He said, “I was probably around five years old. It was my first ever design used in karting, so it’s a very meaningful design.”
The 23-year-old also mentioned his karting days started in Brignoles, which is only 45 minutes away from Circuit Paul Ricard. “I started karting very close to here, in Brignoles which is only 45 minutes away. So, that’s why I decided that design for this weekend,” said the Ferrari driver.
READ MORE: Everything There is to Know About Charles Leclerc’s Family: His Late Father and Racer Brother
Leclerc: Design based on Spider-Man’s web
Leclerc also admitted to being a big fan of Spider-Man in his childhood, which inspired his design of the helmet. The Ferrari driver said, “I was watching Spider-Man, and I was a big fan of Spider-Man, and that reminded me of a spider web.”
After 19 years I’m bringing back my first design from when I started karting near here. I remember when I drew the design Spider-Man was on TV and I tried to make it look like his web. I've got many great memories from this part of my life, it will be special wearing it again ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6pdnleTDEY
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) June 17, 2021
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While the 23-year-old brought in a sentimental element to his French Grand Prix, he hopes it brings him luck this weekend. “I hope you like it, and I hope it will bring us luck,” said Leclerc.
Despite a far from perfect 2020 season, Leclerc has been impressive this season. With two back-to-back pole positions this season, he will look to continue his good run in Le Castellet this weekend. In addition, the Monegasque finished third in the 2019 French Grand Prix.
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Can the Monegasque take his first podium of the season on June 20th?
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