Why Is Charles Leclerc Called Lord Perceval?

One of the most promising drivers on the grid, Charles Leclerc, has made his mark on the sport. In his two years with Ferrari, Leclerc has brought home two victories and is on an unstoppable flight for more.

Leclerc also impressed fans, and as with most fan-favorites, Leclerc has his own nickname with his. The fans affectionately call him Lord Perceval; an odd name compared to the Iceman, Honey Badger, and Inspector Seb that grace the grid.

Leclerc claimed hoped that his fans wouldn’t get too comfortable with the name, but unfortunately, they did. Perceval is the Monegasque’s fourth name, and once, while revealing his name he described it as, “what a horror!” However, the title of Lord was added by a very important person.

Why Lord Perceval?

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz played a popular game: two truths and a lie. In playing the game, the Monegasque divulged his full name, much to the surprise of his teammate. In spelling out his name, Leclerc cautioned, “It’s not that much more easier.”

He began, “Charles Marc Herve Perceval Leclerc.” His name fascinated Sainz. He exclaimed, “Perceval?!” 

Carlos Sainz described the name as “Lord-esque”- and then gave him the title, “Lord Perceval.” Leclerc, whose driving skills have made him the Tifosi’s new hero; the fans welcomed the new name with open arms.

Charles Leclerc – the red Lord

Charles Leclerc shared his love for motorsport with his father, Herve Leclerc. The four-year-old driver started karting under the mentorship of late Ferrari driver Jules Bianchi. He had his first taste of victory three years later and hasn’t stopped since.

Jules Bianchi’s fatal accident in 2014 only fueled Charles’s passion to drive. He once said, “I’ve never overcome it. Maybe I never will. But I never had a doubt about continuing. All I’ve ever wanted was to race.” In 2016, he stood in his mentor’s shoes as he joined the Ferrari Drivers Academy.

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Charles faced loss again, as moving into F2, his father passed away. After a day of grieving, he flew to Baku for the next race, where he claimed pole position and won the race. Leclerc said, “when I came second, my father wasn’t the happiest, so I focused on winning.” He won the F2 title with three races to spare.

Stepping into the big league in 2018, Leclerc drove impressively for Sauber, eventually getting him a seat at his dream team- Ferrari. His maiden victory at Monza, the home of the Prancing Horses, won the hearts of the fans in red. The Tifosi claimed their new hero, who relentlessly drove alongside world champion Sebastian Vettel. Lord Perceval became one of the first drivers to outscore Vettel over a season with the Italian outfit.

A man on a mission- to make Bianchi and Herve proud, he is on the right trajectory. Leclerc’s impressive driving the 2021 season has only shown no matter what machine he’s put in, the Lord of Monte Carlo gives it his all.

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