F1 News

Charles Leclerc on Ayrton Senna idol

Leclerc names this F1 driver the 'only idol he ever had'

12 January at 20:00

It has been more than 30 years since Ayrton Senna tragically passed away at the Imola circuit, but the Brazilian legend continues to inspire the current generation of drivers in F1 as well. Now, the Ferrari team have to drivers who consifer the three-time world champion as their idol, Charles Leclerc revealed.

'Senna is my only idol'

Ayrton Senna has inspired many drivers on the grid, from the more experienced driver Lewis Hamilton to youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Talking to La Gazzetta dello Sport's Sportweek, Charles Leclerc also explained why he looks up to the Brazilian driver. "Ayrton Senna, a legend. And not just in Motorsport. He is the only idol I have ever had," he Monegasque driver began.

He added: "I would have loved to meet and hang out with Ayrton Senna. Before Interlagos I went to the Senna Foundation. I saw some of the cars he raced with, his helmets… It was a very strong moment."

Still, Leclerc also explained that when he was younger, he spent so much time on track that he could hardly watch F1. Therefore, he looked up to a different driver as well in karting. "As a kid I did not have a particular F1 idol. My hero was Jules Bianchi, who was a great kart racer," the Monegasque driver concluded.


Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

XInstagram | TikTok | YouTube