Charles Leclerc’s Father Hervé Leclerc Contributed Greatly to His Son’s Career - Facts about Him

Charles Leclerc's father, Hervé Leclerc, was with him when he got into his first red vehicle ― a go-kart at four. Unfortunately, the Monaco native did not live to see his son race in their hometown or the Formula One.

Ferrari Formula One (F1) driver Charles Leclerc grew up in the kingdom of Monaco. While his family did not have the lifestyle of their affluent neighbors, his father, Hervé Leclerc, exposed him to the sport where he would one day excel.

The senior Leclerc raced in a lower division in the early 1980s. His middle child has far surpassed him by becoming one of the top-ranked drivers on the circuit and being signed with Ferrari.

How Hervé Leclerc Inspired His Son, Charles Leclerc, to Get into Racing

"Perhaps he imagined his children as the legendary Knights of the Round Table," Charles remarked on why his father called him Perceval. His full name is Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc, and his brothers are Lorenzo Leclerc and Arthur Leclerc.

At four, Charles convinced his dad that he was not feeling well enough for kindergarten. That day was formative as his dad took him to a go-kart track in Brignoles, France, owned by his best friend, Philippe Bianchi.

Charles "fell in love" with the sport after his first three rides around the track in a red kart. Born March 7, 1963, in Monaco, Hervé had a history in motorsports. He competed in the European-F3 in the 80s. He taught his son always to be humble.

Charles Leclerc's Father Died at 54

The Ferrari driver learned of his father's illness after the last race of GP3 in Abu Dhabi in 2016. Charles did not share the news, as he wanted to keep it to himself, but also because he was scared that if he had a lousy race result, "everyone would blame that."

The teenager told his ailing parent a little white lie that he had a guaranteed drive in F1, which was his dad's dream for him before he signed. Hervé was placed in a coma the Wednesday before a big race weekend. He died on June 20, 2017, at 54.

Days after her beloved father's passing, 19-year-old Charles Leclerc competed in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He won both races, though he was later demoted to second place in one of them owing to a 10-second penalty. He ended on the top of the championship leaderboard that year.

"I became a lot more mature, and now I see things completely differently," the driver said, reflecting on Hervé's death. "The pressure, I feel it, but 20 times less. It put all of life into a different perspective because you realize what are the really important things."

Charles Leclerc's Stirring Tribute to His Father, Hervé Leclerc

"My father has done absolutely everything for me to get to where I am today. I am so grateful to have had him in my life," Charles wrote in June 2022. He included photos of his father joyously spending time with him at the track.

"He was always doing everything to give everyone around a smile and to make our family happy," he continued, "5 years you are gone, and I miss you every day. You were the best father I could have wished for; I love you."