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Chapter Text

0

Charles has many regrets in his life. His last moments with his father, his many unsuccessful years with Ferrari, the broken hearts he left behind and how many times he nursed his own. There is only so much he could do with his talent in a shit car with even shittier strategy and he knew his good looks saved him there. 

He regretted not listening to his friends, his family, the people around him to leave Ferrari, all because he wanted to win the World Championship with them. Not with someone else, in another car— he wanted to win in red, his color. 

He regretted not accepting Red Bull’s offer, especially after they dominated for almost a decade, leaving everyone behind. Others slowly started to catch up, but not him. Oh, he won races, he had his podiums, he had points but it was never enough . 

He regretted not pursuing jobs in other fields, but especially music. He had the opportunity, not even one, almost endless opportunities and offers, but instead he chased a dream that was never his. 

Charles Leclerc has many regrets. But his biggest regret was retiring due to an injury and his age catching up with him, all without a World Championship to his name, disappointing not just himself but everyone who looked up to him. 

1

Coming back to senses when he’s celebrating his podium, his trophy almost slipping from his grip leaves him stumbling. The faces are blurred, concerned voices filling his ears while the cheers make his headache only worse. 

“I’m okay, I’m okay”, he wheezes, he lies, because he’s not okay. He feels awkward, lanky, full of energy and tired at the same time. He smells sweat and feels the heat— he’s so close to throwing up. 

He knows where he is. He remembers this, god, he hates how much the memory of this win has burned itself into his mind. It has been monumental for his career, for his reputation, for himself . 

Charles is numb when he steps from the podium, when people pat him on his back, congratulate him. He’s numb when he walks with his team, back to the paddock. 

He’s still numb, hours later, everyone celebrating and he’s hiding in one of the many bathrooms. It’s then, him sitting on the cold floor, head bowed and hands shaking, it’s then when he finally realizes that this is not a dream. 

“Mi dispiace-”, he chokes out, voice raspy and tears finally falling. “Mi dispiace, mi dispiace, fuck, I’m sorry.” He muffles his own cries and instead lets the tears drop, careful to not let anyone know. 

It’s not a dream, his body is smaller than it actually was, less muscle on his frame, his hair untamed— it’s a nightmare. 

It’s the race right after his father died. 

2

He slowly slips into a role, bright eyed and young Charles Leclerc disappearing and leaving the life weary, adult Charles Leclerc behind. His family and friends think he’s still grieving but determined to win in honor of his father. 

And he is winning. It’s so ridiculously easy, the car he currently drives so fucking slow, nothing compared to the ones he already drove but he can remember it all. The tracks, the races, he drives on muscle memory, mind numb and they call it incredible talent. 

The people around him go crazy with every pole, win and points he grabs with his greedy, greedy hands, they watch him make history again, this time even grander. 

His mother is worried and he hates himself, taking away the son he loves and instead being him— still her son but too old. Instead worrying about it too much, he drives fast and with skill many in his age could dream off. The taste of champagne, the feeling of standing on top, it’s the only thing that brings him brightness, the only thing that lights up his soul and let’s the numbness disappear. 

It’s like a drug, driving and winning, and he can’t get enough. 

-1

↺ internet articles about charles leclerc. 

WONDERBOY LECLERC HAS DONE IT AGAIN! 

Since the beginning of the season, Charles Leclerc has been an impressive presence on track. Many began to worry about his performance after his father’s death, yet Leclerc proves them wrong…

CHARLES LECLERC DOMINATES EVEN AFTER CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

The young Monasque has written history with his championship, but he doesn’t stop! Despite having racked up enough points to leave everyone in the dust, Leclerc not only participates in every race but also dominates them…

SCUDERIA FERRARI INTERESTED IN F2 CHAMPION

Rumors have it that the renowned F1 team is interested in Charles Leclerc after his win in the F2 Championship…

“I AM HERE TO WIN”, SAYS LECLERC AND DOES 

Click here to read the full interview with current F2 champion Charles Leclerc…

3

He still picks the same number, the same team for his debut, fearing that if he changed too much, something would go wrong. There hasn’t yet, it has been exceptional, his results over the top and he can’t get enough of it. 

But unlike last time— (god, he already got to a point, where he begins to differentiate the two lives, thinking this as a restart, a second chance—) he scores points right on his first F1 race. It shouldn’t be possible, something unrealistic and straight out of a novel, but no one suspects foul play, not when people like Lewis and Max exist and drive against him. 

He has a solid car, closer to what he drove before but it still didn’t satisfy his ever growing hunger. He hungers for more, reaching and grasping, slowly but surely coming closer and closer to the Charles Leclerc he was just before he retired. A beast, experienced and keeping up with the best, in a shit car, his mental health at its worst but still strong. A monster, driving with brains instead of just speed, pulling off insane overtakes on World Champions in hopes for a win. 

He is all that but so much more now. A fresh start, his hands itching to hold a trophy, his eyes never leaving the backs of the ones on top— he’s the underdog, the rookie of the year, someone to look out for. 

-2

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

Charles Leclerc ✓ @Charles_Leclerc 2h

Next stop, Monaco! Can’t wait to race on the home track for the first time in the big league ❤️

345 Replies | 1.28K Retweets | 22.2K Likes

|

cl16 forever!! @mariamariaa1 53m

AHHH I’M SO EXCITED I GOT TICKETS I WILL SEE CHARLES ON HIS FIRST HOME RACE AAAAAAAAAAAH

3 Replies | 2 Retweets | 13 Likes

FORZA FERRARI YAAA @ferraribiggestfan 19m

can’t wait to see charles race again, he drives soooo good!! it’s a (fever) dream watching him

3 Replies | 8 Retweets | 16 Likes

wonderboy charlie @chairleclair 17m

once again thanking the motorgods for gifting us with wonderboy charles 🙏 

21 Replies | 103 Retweets | 299 Likes

Formula 1 ✓ @F1 1m

Are you ready for Monaco? We are definitely ready for @Charles_Leclerc first home race! #F1

2 Replies | 42 Retweets | 198 Likes

4

Charles doesn’t win. He doesn’t expect to win, not on this track and not in this car. Instead he gets on the podium, actually finishing the race with the car in one piece. 

And then he stands below Daniel and Seb, having passed Lewis— because unlike last time, half of the grid had to retire, shaking off his own Monaco curse and letting everyone behind him choke on it. 

It feels freeing, as if someone lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders, he thinks he can breathe again and he gulps in the warm air as if he had been drowning. 

They spray him with champagne, shower him with praise, pat him on the back and tell him how well he has done and Charles cries. He cries on live TV, drinks from the champagne bottle as if it’s water and kisses his trophy. 

This is it, he thinks. No turning back, not now, never again. He has followed the dreams of his dearest ones in his past life, making it his burden and now— now he will be selfish, young and greedy, hungry for more. 

Seb praises him again, when they’re on top and he can’t help but grin, all while tears are still running down his cheeks. He also hugs him, firm and with his own smile on his face. It’s the best day in his new life. 

5

The press conference after it is… something else. He’s getting asked the most questions, the first podium at his 6th race in F1 on his hometrack is him writing history again, and he can’t help but soak the attention up. It’s his, his win, winning against that curse on his own track. 

“Charles, what you did today is truly phenomenal. There is no question in how this feels for you, so instead I wanted to ask, what has led to this point? What helped you to end this race in P3?” He just grins wide, a young adult, a freshling in this hard core sport, sitting next to legends. 

“It— um. When I drive”, and he almost winces at how accented his English is, “When I drive, I don’t dream about winning, it’s my goal. Dreams are for dreamers, but you can’t afford to dream here, non?” The people chuckle, so does he, but he’s not done. 

“But to answer your question, it is the drive I feel when I’m in the car, I need to do my best, to get the best out of the car and me. And of course, it’s practice and strategy, I have an amazing team behind me, without them I wouldn’t have this trophy now.” 

-3

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

wonderboy charlie @chairleclair 1h

“i don’t dream about winning, it’s my goal.” THIS IS HIM SIR, THE TRUE WINNER OF MONACO ‘18

103 Replies | 1.8K Retweets | 3.4K Likes

CL16 @dumbanddumber 43m

charles on podium as rookie on his freaking home track and then dropping the hardest quote of history is legend behavior!!! 

3 Replies | 18 Retweets | 345 Likes

Formula 1 ✓ @F1 30m

“When I drive, I don’t dream about winning, it’s my goal. Dreams are for dreamers, but you can’t afford to dream here, non?” Charles Leclerc after his P3 in Monaco! 

421 Replies | 3.6K Retweets | 9.6K Likes

-4

↺ tumblr posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

Anonymous asked

charles crying on podium and then seb hugging him is so-

formulafanatic

I will never stop talking about this. My boy not only got praised by Seb on Live TV once but twice but also stood next to him on Podium???

wonderboycharlesss

it feels like a fever dream and i never want it to stop

formulafanatic

You, me and everyone with brain cells watching Formula 1.

83 notes

f1-quotes 

“When I drive, I don’t dream about winning, it’s my goal. Dreams are for dreamers, but you can’t afford to dream here, non?” — Charles Leclerc, a legend in making

351 notes 

ferrarifanboy

i want to talk about several things that happened today.

1. charles mf leclerc. not only is this his home track, but also one of the most anticipated track of the year. and he fucking got P3, as a rookie ON HIS SIXTH RACE IN F1 IN A SAUBER CAR!!!
2. charles leclerc (again). how he drove today is insane. half of the grid was in chaos, so many drivers had to retire and he just went, overtook lewis hamilton on lap 42 and defended till the end. lewis had no chance on passing, because the moment he tried, charles was stuck on him and overtook him again. he drove really risky around the corners and slowly increased the distance between him and lewis. he defended against a world champion. 
3. the interaction between seb and charles. you can see how much charles looks up to him, i can’t even think how charles felt the past few days. 
4. the press conference! charles was totally giddy, you could practically feel the happiness through the screen. (especially when seb praised him again) 

read more… 

562 notes

6

After Monaco, several teams and many more drivers approached him, eager to bring him from the middlefield to the front row, now that he has shown what he can do. 

But the biggest change to last time, is the direct offer from Mercedes. Not even the talk around of him bringing him to their Academy or second seat, instead they’re sure they want him. Him and Lewis. And this only thanks to the disaster that happened in Monaco with Valtteri and the following races. He had crashed very early in the race, leaving only Lewis to drive for points, and did it again in Canada. His performance decreased drastically, partly with Charles himself being at fault. 

One of the other teams is of course Scuderia Ferrari, considering he’s already almost part of their family, with him driving for Sauber and participating in test drives, which wasn’t a surprise. But he already knew the back and forth that would happen, the death of Marchionne would destabilize Ferrari and start the shit show it had been in the first life. 

Charles knows that his actions had consequences. He knew the moment he started to change things and he had already changed so much. Unlike last time, he has no regrets. Instead he bulldozes his way on each track, driving as if he has decades of experience, leaving his own teammate and stronger teams behind him. 

He has no regrets, when he tells his manager to start negotiating a contract with Mercedes, leaving his own family baffled when he clearly says no to Ferrari. 

In the end, it’s his outstanding performance and Valtteri's below average one that secures him a seat for 2019, if only for a year. He knows, this is his chance, the opportunity he never really had, to actually have a chance in fighting for the World Championship. 

You have to start early, after all, to actually win against the best. 

-5

↺ internet articles about charles leclerc. 

THE TEAMS ARE FIGHTING FOR LECLERC

Several sources have repeatedly confirmed that many teams have reached out to Leclerc with offers, most of them contracts that are longer than just one year…

“HE’S YOUNG BUT HAS PLENTY OF TALENT”, SAYS TOTO WOLFF 

Mercedes’ very own team boss praises the Sauber Rookie, stating how impressed he is by his performance…

“FERRARI IS THE DREAM, BUT HE’S NOT HERE TO DREAM.” 

It’s well known that Scuderia Ferrari has offered Charles Leclerc a seat for 2019, having the support and backing of the CEO himself. While Charles is very friendly with them, it has been reported that he’s not interested in the red seat, instead eyeing others…

CHARLES LECLERC IS WRITING HISTORY

Charles Leclerc is a rising star in Formula 1, bringing in achievements many dream of, such as the possibility of breaking the record in the amount of points accumulated in his rookie year, currently held by Lewis Hamilton. But he hasn’t just written history in the pinnacle of motorsport, it already started in the lower categories…

7

Charles focuses on his races and training his body. Every driver knows how important your body and it’s health is to compete in this sport, but after living a life of constantly straining his body while also partying wildly… well, he doesn’t want to repeat that exactly. 

He goes on a search for a personal trainer, knowing that Andrea and him will never be the same the moment he has entered negotiations with Mercedes. He also starts to look for a competent PR Manager, knowing the future of Social Media and how important it will be for his career. 

It leaves him busy, constantly training, both in the gym and on the track. 

7.5 

What Charles doesn’t know, better said, is too busy to know, is how the Paddock talks about him. They’re baffled how he seems to do a complete 180 degree personality change the moment he’s on the track, while being all smiley the moment he leaves his car. 

They admire his drive, the elder drivers prophesying how far he will bring it and the younger drivers can’t help but look up to him. Everyone has heard the story of the race in Baku and how he won right after his father died. And then many times more, his performance not declining. 

They’re side-eying him across the paddocks when reviewing the footage, seeing his fast corners and smooth overtakes, while he excitedly talks with his team as if he just didn’t overtake several drivers with better cars and more experience. They’re watching him when he answers harsh questions from the reporters with a cheery smile on his face, as if they just complimented him. They’re seeing how he sneaks glances at the bright red Ferrari cars, whispers reaching them how it has always been his dream to drive and win in a Ferrari seat but— but then he went and said you can’t dream if you want to win. 

It’s mind boggling how determined he is, the engineers and the rest of his team boasting how much he trains— more than most drivers and he’s just a rookie.  

And they can’t help but wonder what Charles Leclerc will do next. 

8

Crash he does, not even his own fault. Charles knows he can’t predict and influence everything, but in Spa, he crashes the exact same as the first time. 

Once again he had to retire the car and once again the Halo saved his life. 

The crash brings him back down to earth. He walks back to the paddock while the others continue to race, he watches them with bitterness and envy. He knew the crash would happen and he tried to avoid it, but it seems some things are set in stone. 

Unlike last time, Fernando stays longer than for just a few minutes, apologizing for ruining his race and this— this is what Charles missed. His old friends and rivals, their connection, now nothing more but mere acquaintances. 

It’s odd to say but the crash brings them closer and Fernando not only compliments him and comments on several things he has done this year, but also offers advice, when Charles finally steps over the line he set himself. It tugs on his heart when the elder driver smiles at him, declaring him as his ‘mentor’, in exchange for ruining his race. He’s already so much closer to him that he had been last time. 

-6

↺ tumblr posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

official-formula-one

Charles Leclerc after his crash in Spa, talking about his disappointment and how the Halo “saved his life”. [LINK to Interview here] 

[Transkript to the Interview]

read more…

madmaxstappen

Just like Charles and probably every driver right now, I’m very glad we have the Halo. No matter what everyone else says, the crash was nasty and more serious injuries have been prevented thanks to the Halo. 

charles-lec-charles

i’m just sad that it was right at the start :( would’ve loved to see him drive the whole track

42 notes

mammamiamamma asked

HAVE YOU SEEN THE PICS OF FERNANDO AND CHARLES??

wonderboycharlesss

GOSH YES!! the way the cameras showed them several times during the race and fernando stayed with him almost the whole race? i just know they bonded over this traumatic event (someone pls give charles a big hug, that crash was a big shock for everyone)

multifandomfan31

remember the date. the date of fernando alfonso adopting charles leclerc and thus becoming the second grid dad our favorite rookie collected

wonderboycharlesss

F1 NEWS: grid!son charles giving his grid!dads seb and nando gray hairs!

538 notes

-7

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

Paddock Rumors @paddock_rumors 19h

CHARLES LECLERC to sign with Mercedes! Several sources have said that the Rookie dodged all talks with Ferrari, as well any other team and instead entered negotiations with Toto Wolff himself. 

492 Replies | 4.8K Retweets | 18.4K Likes

brocedes! @merc3d3s03 10h

WYM CHARLES IS TALKING WITH MERCEDES AND NOT ACCEPTING FERRARI’S OFFER?? CHARLES PLS BLINK IF YOU NEED HELP

112 Replies | 1.1K Retweets | 2.4K Likes

|

wonderboy charlie @chairleclair 9h

he said dreaming is for dreamers and winning is his goal and he’s taking it very serious- darling, you’re still in your rookie year (i’m actually sobbing)

2 Replies | 11 Retweets | 45 Likes

violently shaking @forzaforumulaa 5h

as long charles upgrades from sauber, i don’t care with who he signs (i’m actually sobbing that my little ferrari boy will probably sign with mercedes)

23 Replies | 110 Retweets | 421 Likes

Paddock Rumors @paddock_rumors 1h

More sources have confirmed talks between Charles Leclerc and Mercedes. All of them are very sure that the Rookie WILL join Lewis Hamilton in his team. Some speak of plans on raising a new World Champion, to follow Hamilton’s steps once he retires. 

1.2K Replies | 6.8K Retweets | 24.1K Likes

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Paddock Rumors @paddock_rumors 31m

Both Mercedes and Leclerc have yet to confirm the rumors, but we’re getting an increasing amount of confirmations. A source close to Leclerc said: “He promised his father that he will drive a Ferrari, but he also promised to win.” It seems likely that Leclerc will continue his path to victory with Mercedes next year.

334 Replies | 1.5K Retweets | 10.9K Likes

wonderboy charlie @chairleclair 4m

listen. i know i said i’m sobbing over the news @paddock_rumors dropped, but then i reviewed charles in monaco and i just want him to be on podium again… he already lost so much, if it means for him to go to mercedes to win, then he will have my undying support!! anything to see him so happy again

2 Replies | 14 Retweets | 43 Likes

9

Charles signs a year contract with Mercedes with a bitter smile on his face. It’s good, the second seat in a dominating team, with his teammate being Lewis Hamilton himself— and yet… 

And yet he sees the bright red on the track, hears italian just around the corner and it pains him to step away, turn his back. It’s still his dream, to win with Ferrari, but Ferrari— Ferrari has destroyed him, took him apart and left him to build himself up again, the Ferrari he knew is not the Ferrari of today, it is the Ferrari of the future. 

“You okay, kid?” Lewis is here, welcoming him to the team, sad to see his own teammate retire for the next year but excited to have him. 

“Yeah”, he rasps, but it’s a lie. Everyone sees it, yet they don’t comment on it. 

“I just hope my father will forgive me.” 

A hush falls over the room, Toto eying his first driver, then Charles’ manager. Said man only sighs, fully knowing the grief Charles puts himself through. 

Lewis is so brave and mutters, “I’m sure he’s very proud of you, Charles. You’re in Formula one, one of the twenty best drivers in the whole world. Hell, you even broke my rookie record!” His hand falls on the smaller man’s shoulders and the Brit can’t help but notice how small Charles Leclerc still is and yet already shining oh so bright.

“‘Course he’d be proud, mon péré was always so proud but—”, he takes in a shuddering breath, cursing himself for being so sentimental. 

“Charles…” 

“ Non , I think you should know why it took me so long to decide for you.” Toto raises an eyebrow and Charles steels himself. It’s the first time— the first time he talks about in this life.

“I told my father Ferrari wants to sign me, for the next season. He died thinking his son became a Ferrari driver— I was, stupid, so stupid, Papa was in pain, we all knew he would— and then he died and then I won—”

His confession, baring the dirty little secret to his new team, helps Charles to calm the storm in himself. He ends up getting a hug from everyone, even the big bad boss himself. And Lewis? 

Well, just like with Fernando, Charles is much closer with the older driver than he has ever been in his first life. 

At least he’s doing something right. 

-8

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc.

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team ✓ @MercedesAMGF1 1d

Welcome to our newest Driver on the team! @Charles_Leclerc will join us in the 2019, we can’t wait to see him in action 🙌🏎️ 

Read more details here 👇

1.2K Replies | 10.1K Retweets | 42.8K Likes

|

Charles Leclerc ✓ @Charles_Leclerc 1d

Thank you for this incredible opportunity! It’s an honor to be welcomed in this team ❤️🖤

943 Replies | 6.4K Retweets | 13.8K Likes

wonderboy charlie @chairleclair 23h

i’m in shambles. but in a good way #Merclerc 

42 Replies | 149 Retweets | 1.2K Likes

hammertime @lewlewhamham 22h

we all know charles only got the place as 2nd driver because valtteri retires for a year 

10 Replies | 42 Retweets | 107 Likes

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mercedes supremacy @f1f0n 22h

it certainly helped but don’t forget how much valtteri’s own performance declined and it’s his own fault/shit luck. plus the injury, so of course a seat will be open and of course they have to fill it. and they did with a very talented driver #Merclerc 

2 Replies | 3 Retweets | 26 Likes

-9

↺ internet articles about charles leclerc. 

MERCEDES AMG SIGNS CHARLES LECLERC! 

The F1 Mercedes Team has just confirmed this morning that Charles Leclerc, current rookie driver with Sauber, has signed a one year contract with them…

“I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT SEASON”, SAYS HAMILTON 

Lewis Hamilton is saddened to see his current teammate in retirement, wishing him a quick recovery, yet also welcoming the much younger addition to the Mercedes Team with open arms…

WONDERBOY, IL PREDESTINATO, SCHUMACHER COME AGAIN: CHARLES LECLERC

Despite his young age, Charles Leclerc already collected a fair share of nicknames, all thanks to his achievements and the characters he’s shown in his rookie year…

10

Charles doesn’t return home. He can’t bear to look into his mother’s eyes, his brothers, his family. Instead he tells them over phone how he needs to prepare for next season, that Mercedes wants him with them for a while, he’s in a top team now and has to act like it. 

His mother is proud, but he sees how she worries about him. It’s normal for mother’s to worry, yet he smiles at her and tells her everything is alright. 

It’s true. From an outsider's perspective, his life is more than alright. He just probably made the biggest jump he could in his Formula One career, his social media accounts all set up and properly functioning, resulting in brands reaching out to him. 

He knows how important social media will be in the near future, all thanks to the pandemic, and starts to build the foundations. Influencers already exist, yet they’re not as common as a few years later and despite him hating to sell his own life like this— it’s better to have a backup plan. 

(You never know what will happen, who will leave you behind, try to drag you down. Charles has seen it, he has experienced it, it can destroy lives in hours. He knows how rumors can destroy your career and if you don’t have a thick skin—) 

Instead of focusing on the negative part of social media, he tries to use the positive. Documenting his life, as an athlete and music lover, commenting about the most minor occurrence in his day. He practices his English, still heavily accented, but doesn’t hesitate to slip into French and Italian. 

They call him cute and eager, a golden retriever. They see his big smile and how he rambles about his training, his friends, his diet, anything. 

They call him passionate and determined, admiring his drive to win, everything he does to stay on top. 

They call him everything he was and wasn’t his first live. 

-10

↺ youtube videos mentioning charles leclerc. 

The Rise of Charles Leclerc 

870.321 views | 13.326 Likes | 971 Dislikes

F1 Theories | 54.000 Subscribers 

BEST MOMENTS 2019: Charles Leclerc

2.340.004 views | 52.981 Likes | 3.926 Dislikes

F1 Best Moments | 500.000 Subscribers 

A DAY WITH A F1 DRIVER !vlog 4

1.210.087 views | 49.004 Likes | 851 Dislikes

Charles Leclerc ✓ | 720.000 Subscribers 

5.308 Comments

@ana k. 

never thought i would be this interested in someone’s life whose job it is to drive in circles

@jajana j. 

i think it’s the french accent lol

@f1fan 

nah, it’s just his charm. you can really see how passionate he’s about his sport, and that sells it

@formulafan 

charles in a f1 car/simulator vs charles doing everything else 

@lilianneeee 

getting a whiplash from seeing him go from “i will murder everyone on track” to “i love everyone” personality

@wonderBOYcharlesss

i can’t wait to see more!!!

Chapter Text

11

Winter testing is an experience. The W10 is a driver’s wet dream, especially in the year 2019. Considering the car had been in planning for two years now, Charles now knows even more how good the machine will be. 

Sim training is also an experience, the team directly collects his data together with Lewis— training directly at the facility is always different from training from home. Not that he complains, it helps him to focus and deliver good results. Results he can be proud of. 

Getting to know his mechanics, his team chef and teammate… it’s almost jarring how different it is from Ferrari. Lewis is much more approachable, almost eager to share all kinds of advice and experiences with him. 

Charles doesn’t say no, instead he just grins at the now five times World Champion and takes his words to heart. He drives well, in the Sim and during the testings on the rented tracks. Toto claps him on his back with a proud smile, telling him how he and Lewis will dominate and bring wins home. 

He tries not to think too much of it, still knowing the results of each race in the coming season— he knows, he knows he has the chance to be second, right behind Lewis, he has the chance to stand on podiums, to rack up points, to win . 

He has the chance and Charles, despite the popular belief, is not a selfless person. He will take the chance with greedy hands and a never satisfied hunger for more. 

12

“Hello everyone and welcome back to another video with your favorite Formula One driver.” Charles winks, fully knowing how many will tease him after the video goes online, and sits back on the white couch in Toto’s office. 

“As you can see, today we’re in a different setting. That’s because I’ve been busy with testing for the 2019 season, which will start in a few months, and I decided to show you around a bit.” He takes the camera, not caring that the next few minutes will be rather shaky recordings, he knows how to sell it well after all.

“This is one of Toto’s offices, he’s in a meeting right now, but it’s also kinda our office? Lewis and I are often here to chill, can’t say no to the sweets Toto hoards here, you know?” Charles points on the table his camera had been, presenting a bowl full with bonbons, chocolate and other things he shouldn’t eat too much. He grabs a few, makes a point to stuff it into his pants and then announces his visit to the cafeteria. 

“I would love to show you all more, but Toto warned me not to give away company secrets”, he mumbles and flips the camera, showing his face while he walks down the endless halls. “But I can introduce some engineers and other people who work around here.” 

He hums a bit, fiddles with the camera and prepares for the next hour, to collect as much footage as he can. 

“Hey, Charles!” 

“Oh, putain - you! Stop trying to stop my heart!” He almost dropped his camera, and now flips it to the devil who just made him jump. 

“Stop your heart– oh, Charlie”, wheezes Lewis, head thrown back.

“This, my friends, is Lewis Hamilton, resident ghost of the Mercedes Brackley facility. I swear he thinks it’s funny–”

“It is funny! You jump like those cats when they see a cucumber.” 

“ Grand con ! Just because you think it’s funny, doesn’t mean it actually is!” Yet he can’t help but grin, seeing how carefree Lewis is— how carefree he is with his own teammate. 

“Alors, I wanted to go to the cafeteria, you want to come as well?” 

-11

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

“i am here to win” @forzacharles 18h

“stop trying to stop my heart” ladies and gentlemen, i present you: multilingual mess charles leclerc

873 Replies | 1.1K Retweets | 12.8K Likes

|

wonderboy charlie @chairleclair 18h

“shit- i mean, putain- i’m- sorry, no cursing from me.” 2 seconds later “scheisse!”

22 Replies | 199 Retweets | 1.1K Likes

|

violently shaking @forzaforumulaa 17h

charles learning the languages of the teams he is on and speaking them better than english 😭😭😭

3 Replies | 5 Retweets | 31 Likes

brocedes come again @meclerccc16 14h

i’m not soft for lewis and charles, i swear i’m not it’s just you- 

62 Replies | 641 Retweets | 1.8K Likes

|

4416 @charliecharles 13h

nothing here to see, just charles with his big grid bro lewis (and me sobbing over it) 

12 Replies | 451 Retweets | 997 Likes

|

hammertime @mercedesf1fan46 13h

“charlie” *dead*

1 Replies | 11 Retweets | 17 Likes

-12

↺ youtube videos mentioning charles leclerc. 

Why is Charles Leclerc so special?

470.421 views | 4.762 Likes | 552 Dislikes

Paddock Talk | 100.000 Subscribers 

2:14 “and now to Charles driving for Mercedes. Everyone talks about how big the jump is, from his rookie team to Mercedes, but I don’t think how many realize what it actually means.”

2:39 “Ferrari was also interested in him, that’s two teams that we know of for sure, wanting to sign a young man to be a teammate to several-times Worldchampions.”

2:45 “That’s… mind boggling. Crazy shit, real crazy shit.”

2:53 “You can’t deny his skill, Charles drives absolutely amazing— it’s beautiful to see him race, the skill and control he shows over the car he’s in.”

3:12 “We haven’t seen any winter testing yet, Mercedes is very hush hush there, but we can’t deny that Charles will perform even better in a Mercedes car, considering his results in a lesser one last season.”

…

5:21 “Coming to Charles himself, his personality– well, he is quite something. Intense and passionate, easygoing but also very humble of his own achievements, he is, from what I’ve seen, one of the more intelligent drivers on the grid.” 

5:44 “The difference between Charles on track and Charles off track is very easy to see. Some describe it as a whiplash and that is true, but it only proves how professional he is.”

5:53 “Of course some could say it’s all media training, but I don’t believe that. There have been moments in the seasons that were a low for Charles, yet he didn’t show that. He is an athlete, he delivers results and he stands for his results, be it good or bad.” 

6:09 “He takes credit for his achievements, but doesn’t hesitate to recognize he’s the only one who brought the points home. He praises his team, the engineers, the people he works with, and he has done that his whole season. It’s genuine, it’s typical Charles.” 

6:21 “His critics say it’s all a strategy from his PR manager, but sources from his time during the lower Formula categories basically confirmed the truth. Charles is passionate about racing, he’s honest but polite with his words.”

6:35 “Of course he changed a bit, a big milestone of him maturing to the man he is today is the death of his father and the race right after it— even the death of his godfather. Charles experienced loss in his life, in the world of Formula, and it shaped him. In a positive way.”

…

9:10 “In conclusion, Charles is a young, talented driver, ready to play with the big leagues. I can’t wait to see more of him.”

9:18 “This was Paddock Talk with Ted, thank you for watching. If you liked the video, consider subscribing, leaving a like and your own thoughts in the comments. Until next time!”

13

Charles knows he’s the most present Formula One driver on social media during the winter break, in general really. He posts daily, on his Twitter and his Instagram stories, uploads several videos on his YouTube channel per week, feeding his ever growing fanbase with new content. 

He doesn’t get tired of it, because he posts what he wants, what he does. His PR Manager warned him how risky this would be, but Charles doesn’t change his mind. Because he knows it will work. It already works. His YouTube channel just reached a Million followers, his Twitter close to the big milestone, while his Instagram is just a few hundred thousand shy away from ten Million. 

He has reach, he has influence, and it shows. Brands reach out to him, his manager team organizes the talks (because unlike last time, Charles needs more people to work for him, organize his schedule, plan his appearances—) and he takes some of their brand deals with a big and genuine smile on his face. 

Lewis actually helps him out, drops his names to designers, photographers and other influencing people with a sly smile. He recognizes and admires Charles’ drive to spread his influence and use it for good. 

(Lewis doesn’t need to know that this is just a failsafe, a way for Charles to secure his future if he ever fucks up. Lewis doesn’t need to know that Charles does this to keep his mind busy, preventing himself from spiraling. Lewis doesn’t need to know— yet he suspects there is more than to Charles simply trying to spread a positive message.) 

He inserts himself in the fashion world and actually tries to follow trends, while slowly finding his own style. It’s difficult, and has always been for him, so his team hires a personal designer, who selects his outfits and teaches him the knowledge he had been missing last time. 

His hard work bears fruits, his mail is filled with invitations and brand deals, to plaster his face on billboards and ads. It keeps him busy and well off. 

Charles doesn’t complain, he can help Arthur much better than last time. 

14

The official first test in 2019 and all the following ones pass in a whirlwind. The car is great, the numbers as well, and Charles has already proven himself competent in the W10. The briefings are long and drag on, but he makes a point to listen, to try to understand. 

He spends more time with Lewis, chats with him in botched German and flowing English. He teaches the older man curse words in both French and Italian, snickering at his pronunciation. They giggle like teenagers when they trip over words, and Charles makes a point to share it with the world. 

It feels good to wear the Mercedes colors, instead of the bright red. Good but different, and Charles doesn’t know if he will ever get used to it. But that’s okay. Because Charles knows what could happen in the future, he will win, get his title and maybe—

(Maybe then he can think about wearing red again. He hates himself for it.)

-13

↺ internet articles about charles leclerc. 

A NEW LEGEND IN MAKING 

No one expected the results for the first race in the 2019 season. A 1-2 finish for Mercedes, with Charles Leclerc taking the first win with his new team. Since the results from the winter testing, we’ve known that the W10 will dominate the races in this season. But to think that the younger pilot would triumph over Lewis Hamilton…

ANOTHER WIN FOR MERCEDES!

The black and silver team has shown once again why they dominate the tracks. Paired with an incredible car, almost flawless strategies and exceptional drivers, there is currently no one able to stop the winning streak…

VERSTAPPEN FAILS TO FIGHT AGAINST THE SILVER-BLACK DOMINANCE

Red Bull Fans all over the world had high hopes that the young Max Verstappen would win on the home track of his own team. While Lewis Hamilton struggled to drive in the Bull’s turf, Charles Leclerc turned out to be victorious and won the race with a lead of +5.442s. An incredible feat, which shows again, how skilled the young pilot is…

THE REIGN OF MERCEDES CONTINUES

We’re half way through the season of 2019, also dubbed as the ‘Reign of Mercedes’. Only one race out of twelve has been won by a driver from another team, which results in Lewis Hamilton leading the Championship and his own teammate, Charles Leclerc comfortably sitting on P2…

-14

↺ tumblr posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

anonymous asked

this is no hate against charles but i’m really thinking that mercedes will soon have another silver war… lewis is ofc still leading the championship but there is still a possibility that charles could win. and with his recent wins he actually has a good chance to fight lewis. and yes, i know they seem close, but lewis was close with nico as well…

analyzing-formula1

I see the points you’re raising and I will say it again. Yes, there is a possibility that the Silver Wars will be repeated but I think it’s highly unlikely. Why? 

1. Charles is completely different from Nico. I’m sure we’ve all seen the trolls who think this is all PR, but Charles is genuinely very humble and an outgoing, friendly person. 
2. Charles knows what you can lose in this sport. He himself said that rivalry isn’t something you can or should avoid, but the safety of each driver stands above any fights on and off track. 
3. Charles is much younger than Lewis. This is his second year in Formula One, he is, compared to the older drivers, still a kid. Yes, he drives very well, incredibly so, but he’s still inexperienced. 
4. Charles admires Lewis. There is no point in denying this. He admires his teammate (I would even say that Lewis is pretty much his idol) and he takes any advice Lewis gives him to heart. 
5. Lewis knows not to repeat the Silver War. He said it himself, he knows where the boundary is and he won’t dare to go near there again. 
6. Lewis absolutely adores Charles. They’re close, even off track, and I’m pretty sure he emotionally adopted Charles. 
7. And lastly. Do you really think Toto would let it go so far that his two star drivers fight with each other and ruin the domination they currently have? I don’t think so. 

Mercedes learned from their history, they know their past and they know, they won’t repeat it with Charles and Lewis, because of the reasons above. 

#f1 #formula one #charles leclerc #lewis hamilton #cl16 #lh44 #analyzing formula one #i understand the worry of casual fans but for people who follow f1/drivers off track should know better

1’738 notes

f1graphics

[ferraricharles.png]

[ferraricharles2.png]

[ferraricharles3.png]

WHAT IF? photoshop of charles leclerc as ferrari driver. 

charliefication

charles looks good in white but charles in red? this is my new dream.

charleslechair

it’s time to pray to the motorgods. give 🙏 us 🙏 ferrari 🙏 driver 🙏 charles🙏🙏🙏

502 notes

15

Charles enjoys his summer break, finally visiting his home again. Seeing his brothers and mother is… something. He’s almost overwhelmed with the amount of love his family embraces him, so readily and eagerly welcoming him back. 

They’re proud of him, insanely so, and it almost hurts to receive their love like this. He thinks himself unworthy, he knows he’s technically cheating, he knows— 

He tries to not show his turmoil, hiding his feelings like he did since he woke up in this second life. He tries and fails, because his mother sees right through it and unlike the last few times, she doesn’t back off. Instead she tells him what he needed to hear. 

“I love you, Charles. You’re my son, I will always be proud of you, love you with my entire heart. Even if you go and do something stupid. Don’t doubt my love, you hear me?” And Charles hears his mother, suddenly a little boy again, in need of his mother’s comfort. 

The summer break ends with him bawling his eyes out, surrounded by his mother’s arms. 

15.5

“Hello Charles, how can I help you?”

“This is Pascale Leclerc, Mister Wolff. Do you have some time?” Toto blinks in surprise, hearing the accented voice from his driver’s mother. The people around him stilled, but he ignores how the whole meeting has stopped to listen to the phone call that’s clearly not with his driver.

“Good,” she says crisply. “You will take care of my son, you hear me? And taking care of him also means reducing the amount of stress and pressure you put on him.”

“Ah— please, Frau Leclerc, I don’t—”

“Yes, you do! My boy hasn’t come home in ages and when he finally did he nearly broke down in my arms. I was right to worry about him and shouldn’t have listened to you idiotic men at all!” Toto grimaces, but is also immediately filled with worry. He of course kept an eye on the young driver, but everything he had seen wasn’t anything— or so he thought. 

“My son— My son hasn’t been the same ever since his father died and he will never be. He lost so much, I’m afraid he will start losing himself. I can’t do anything when he’s away the whole time, so you will have to make sure he doesn’t kill himself.” 

“Yes, of course, but please understand—”

“No, I don’t care, you have so many people who work with him, how can it be that no one saw how badly he was doing? I refuse to believe you have only incompetent people around, so you will better get this fixed, yes?”

Toto sighs but agrees, understanding her worry. He will have a talk with the people who work with Charles the closest, maybe invite his manager over, he grimaces at the thought of Charles grumbling under the pressure. He had assumed, and that was the worst, that he was doing well, all because he let everyone believe it. 

“Thank you, Mister Wolff. I know how I asked was not polite, but I will not lose someone I love to this sport again… My heart won’t be able to take it.” 

And he believes her. So he lowers the phone, lets his gaze sweep across the room and decides on the next step. 

“We will continue this meeting later. Someone call Lewis to my office.”

16

Charles comes back from his break refreshed, putting his worries finally behind and living his life. No matter how many times he said it to himself in the past, it’s his second chance and not only can he use it, but also enjoy it. 

He returns with a whirlwind and he knows— he knows it leaves the team, everyone around him speechless. He’s different, genuinely free and happy. 

He returns, and he can’t help but notice, he’s not the only one who changed. Toto, for some reason is gentler with him, followed by Lewis, the engineers and others. He notices it but doesn’t comment on it, instead he just bashfully takes in the praise they shower him in and pretends everything is normal. 

16.5

“I know you want to win this championship Lewis and I’m confident you can do it. Charles is good, very good, good enough to defeat you.” Lewis just stares at him, sitting almost rigid on his chair and Toto can’t help but sigh. 

“His mother called me. She’s— she’s worried and I’ll be honest with you. I’m worried as well. I don’t think he ever properly grieved his father… or the other people he lost. And while we all admire him for his strong mentality, I fear it’s not as strong as we thought.” 

“What does this mean?”, rasps Lewis, fiddling with his many rings. “Charles is doing well, very well, and I’ve never seen him… you know.” Toto knows and he hates it. Hates how blind he had been. But the past few days have shown him that Charles is just too good at what he does. Be it racing or pretending to be doing well. 

“I’m currently talking with his team, it’s… difficult. His PR manager worries how much Charles exposes himself to the public and the rest think he’ll work himself to death before the season even ends. It’s— fuck . He’s investing in his brother’s career.” 

Lewis curses, he knows what Toto is implying. Charles is selling his body, his soul to the public, to earn enough money to support himself and his brother’s future. Everyone knows how expensive this sport is and he also knows that Charles almost had to end it, if it weren’t for his godfather. 

“But also… Charles loves racing, he practically breathes it. He’s made for this, we can’t—” And Lewis nods, agreeing with him. They can’t curb his passion, they won’t kill his passion, they won’t kill him, smother out his flames before he has the chance to show the world who he is. 

“I understand, Toto. Fuck, I understand. Let him race, I’ll keep myself in check.” 

The unsaid words are heard by both. I won’t be able to forgive myself if I kill another one.

-15

↺ internet articles about charles leclerc. 

BACK TO BACK RACE WINNER CHARLES LECLERC

It is well known that Charles Leclerc is a Scuderia Ferrari admirer. Winning on the home track of the Tifosi and then continuing to comfortably lead in the next race, Leclerc shows exactly why Toto Wolff fought hard to bring the young talent to his team…

CHARLES LECLERC LEADS THE CHAMPIONSHIP 

Thanks to his recent wins and the lesser, but still stellar performance of his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc leads the Championship. Not by a big margin, the difference is currently two points…

TENSION WITHIN THE SILVER PRINCES? 

Rumors claim that Lewis Hamilton is not happy with his younger teammate, but seems closer than ever. It’s unknown if the so-called ‘close sources’ wish to cause drama or actually speak of the truth…

17

Charles has never felt so alive. He’s fighting for the Championship, he has a chance to be World Champion and he’s doing it against Lewis, a legend in Formula One. His name will go into history books, simply because he’s a teammate to Lewis Hamilton but every day— he’s closer to becoming an actual legend.

He has a chance, a possibility, he can actually do it. 

It leaves him flushed, breathless, he feels high on victory, drunk on the champagne he’s soaked in every weekend— it’s finally his dreams becoming reality . 

-16

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

brocedes 2.0 @ferrarifanfan 3d

if you told me a year ago that charles leclerc would be leading the championship in 2019 i would’ve called you insane

1.1K Replies | 12.3K Retweets | 32.2K Likes

|

4416 @charliecharles 3d

if you told me a year ago that charles would lead the championship and lewis doesn’t start the silver wars act 2 over it i would’ve shipped you to a therapist

11 Replies | 31 Retweets | 331 Likes

|

cl16 supremacy @lilianelovesall 3d

if you told me that sauber driver charles leclerc would go to mercedes and actually beat lewis hamilton i would’ve called you DELUSIONAL. look at us now

103 Replies | 521 Retweets | 1.2K Likes

|

mrs. leclerc @justagirl 3d

if you would’ve told me a year ago that i would cheer on men going vroom vroom in circles because charles leclerc is a part-time influencer i would’ve thrown my phone at you. look at me now

5 Replies | 10 Retweets | 972 Likes

-17

↺ twitter posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

charles nation! @charlesnation 1d

Charles is on the cover of US GQ Magazine after the win on the US circuit (Austin)! The magazine includes a three page interview and 5 high quality photos. Click here to read🔗 https://charlesnation.com/interview/116/…

996 Replies | 1.2K Retweets | 10.2K Likes

|

charles nation! @charlesnation 1d

He talks about the jump between Sauber and Mercedes, expectations from fans, the team and himself, as well how it is to have Lewis Hamilton as teammate. With the 2019 season ending soon, there are already whispers of contract talks, but he doesn’t confirm anything, only mentions that everything is still open. 

243 Replies | 882 Retweets | 2.5K Likes

Charles Leclerc ✓ @Charles_Leclerc 15h

Thank you everyone for your support! My journey in F1 has just started but it has been incredible. Without my family, my friends, the team and especially Lewis and all of Mercedes I couldn’t have done it. Merci, grazie, danke!

745 Replies | 1.28K Retweets | 22.2K Likes

Formula 1 ✓ @F1 12h

Are you ready for Brazil? Join us on the 15th November to see the continuing fight for the World Championship between @Charles_Leclerc and @LewisHamilton!

4.5K Replies | 9K Retweets | 74.5K Likes

18

Charles knows what happened last time, in 2019, ending the race with a DNF because he came in contact with his teammate. 

This year— this time could be the same again. He knows he’s paranoid, he knows Lewis wouldn’t actually do it because they’ve grown close, they’re actual friends, he’s so much closer to Lewis now than he had been to Seb back then. And yet, he can’t help but worry. 

Worry that it will not end well, worry that his second chance is nothing but a dream the moment he fucks up. Worry that everyone will see who he truly is— nothing but a cheater, repeating and changing his old life. 

He spirals, slowly descending to madness, leaving him gasping for air. 

He spirals and he’s cursed, unlucky, because Lewis witnesses it. His teammate sees him crumbling, nothing more but a shaking mess. It’s a weakness he didn’t dare to show anyone, he even succeeded, but now— 

“Fuck, Charles, come on, breathe with me!” He tries, he tries so hard, his lungs feel on fire and it hurts , it hurts so much. 

18.5

Lewis should’ve known, even before the call from Charles’ mother, before the talk with Toto, before this fucking freakshow— he should’ve known. 

The way Charles talks about his achievements, that isn’t just humble. He genuinely believes he’s underperforming, genuinely doubts himself, despite letting the whole world think how strong he’s mentally. And since no one saw him like this, everyone believed him. 

He curses himself for falling for it too, the cheeky smile, the stumbling english, the admiration— he should’ve known . Charles is so young , eager despite being so mature, still a kid in his eyes despite leading the World Championship, his heart so open despite having lost so much… 

Lewis hates this, the sport, how many lives it destroyed and takes, he hates himself for loving this sport, for not speaking up more, for not being more open to the younger drivers, the bright eyed, innocent rookies. 

And no matter what he does, it will never be enough. Just take a look at Charles. 

19

Charles doesn’t win. He doesn’t win but comes second, mere seconds behind Max and it’s… it’s alright. Maybe because Lewis finished way below him, maybe because he’s finally back on podium with Max, who’s still Red Bull’s golden, angry boy, or maybe it’s just because he finally talked with someone about his struggles. 

Lewis is a good listener, a good friend, a good teammate and after he had found Charles breaking down before the race, he knew he couldn’t just pretend he’s fine. 

He didn’t reveal everything, of course not, instead he confessed his thoughts and feelings about the season, the high after a win, the hunger for more, and how it’s never enough. He stutters through his grief, his father, godfather, friend, confesses how he lied to his family, his mother— revealing to Lewis how much he struggles and how he wishes he wouldn’t. 

He shouldn’t, not when he’s in a top team, not when he’s winning, when he’s leading, when he’s having everything he ever wished to have, he shouldn’t— shouldn’t be greedy, so hungry, so selfish . 

Because that’s the problem. This second life is nothing more but him being selfish. And he struggled the whole season to truly accept this. But Lewis… Lewis is a good listener, a good friend and has even better advice. 

So maybe, maybe he will finally make peace with it, accept this second life, and actually enjoy it, without having to think about his past every time something good happens. 

-18

↺ youtube videos mentioning charles leclerc. 

Charles Leclerc: Future World Champion?

630.419 views | 7.366 Likes | 431 Dislikes

Paddock Talk | 140.000 Subscribers 

The Genius of Charles Leclerc (The Influencer of the Future)

1.333.016 views | 41.885 Likes | 993 Dislikes

Deep in the Celebrity World | 1.200.000 Subscribers 

Who can speak it better? A Language Challenge with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc

136.441 views | 13.934 Likes | 523 Dislikes

MercedesAMGF1 ✓ | 900.000 Subscribers 

EXPLORING ENEMY TERRITORY !vlog 101

2.350.992 views | 113.001 Likes | 1.003 Dislikes

Charles Leclerc ✓ | 4.400.000 Subscribers 

15.993 comments

@Lewis Hamilton ✓

So this is why Toto was so stressed last week… he was waiting for lawsuits 

@Charles Leclerc ✓

He wasn’t :( 

@forzaferrari 

this whole video was just:

1. charles sneaks into a random paddock
2. charles gets caught
3. charles talks himself out if it with the reasoning “just visiting my friends”
4. repeat

@mammamiaaa

and we love it

@lestappen4ever

can we talk about the max and charles interaction??

@alex c. 

i’d rather talk about charles’ grid dads..

@the better brocedes (cl16lh44)

charles is an athlete ❌, influencer❌, model ❌, corporate spy ✅

-19

↺ tumblr posts mentioning charles leclerc. 

true-brocedes

An analysis to the current driver lineup (2019) [Charles Leclerc (#16), Lewis Hamilton (#44)]

Throughout the season we’ve seen many glimpses of both the drivers individually, but also the relationship between them. After a longer conversation with @madmaxstappen and @charlielechair, I’ve decided to put together a masterpost, which includes different sources and my final character analysis.

read more…

madmaxstappen

Incredible work! Thank you so much for putting this together. I think it really shows how much Lewis has grown as a teammate (*cough* Nico *cough cough*) but also as driver

#formula1 #the way all of these articles and clips just show how MATURE charles is #still a fun and relatable young man but also very calm

1’632 notes

formula1facts

If Charles Leclerc wins the World Championship this year, he will be the new record holder of youngest F1 World Champion.

533 notes

wonderboycharlie

literally can’t wait for Abu Dhabi

forzarerrari

i need time to pass faster. like wdym there are 5 days left I CANT WAIT SO LONG I NEED CHARLES TO WIN

wonderboycharlie

you and me girly, you and me (and everyone else)

16 notes

20

It all comes down to Abu Dhabi, because— of course it does. The battle between Lewis and him has been fierce and non stop, every race impactful to the standings. His Championship is so near , never has he been closer to it.

But he’s not nervous, instead he’s steady and determined. Today could be the day— no, today is the day where he will finally achieve his lifelong dream.

His part of the Mercedes garage is fluttering around him, Toto hovering between him and Lewis, everyone excited for the final race for the season. Because no matter the result, a Mercedes driver will win the Championship, writing history once again. 

Either it’s him, a young driver from Monaco, only in his second year in Formula One. If he would win, he would be the youngest to ever do so. 

Or it’s Lewis, claiming his 6th Championship, slowly inching closer to breaking Schumacher’s record. 

Both want to win, no matter what, both giving their all, but Charles knows… deep inside, today he will come on top and write history. He will make his country proud, his family, his father. He will make everyone proud and finally, finally achieve his dream. 

And then the lights go out. 

-20

↺ internet articles about charles leclerc. 

CHARLES LECLERC WINS HIS FIRST F1 CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE!

Mercedes Driver Charles Leclerc takes the title in the final fight between him and Lewis Hamilton in the Abu Dhabi race. Showcasing skill and precision…

A SILVER FINALE FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 

Charles Leclerc wins the final race of the 2019 season in Abu Dhabi, winning the Championship with 31 points ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton…

LECLERC — A NEW LEGEND

Charles Leclerc does not only win the World Championship title but is also the youngest driver to ever do so! Placing above Hamilton himself, as well as Vettel and Alonso, Leclerc broke another record…

Chapter Text

Sebastian Vettel.

“Herzlichen Glückwunsch!” Sebastian grins at the young man and chuckles when his eyes widen. Charles beams at him, cheeks flushed from the heat and hair sticking on his forehead. His white race suit is damp from the champagne, he looks like a proper mess— but also like a true World Champion. 

“Danke”, says Charles, the single word dripping with his french accent but oh so clearly showing his happiness. 

“You did good”, he praised the young man, speaking truthfully. Charles didn’t only just do good, he did incredible— he has done something incredible and almost impossible. When Seb met the young driver, he thought like many others that he would become a Ferrari driver. But Charles didn’t waste his talent and instead paved his own way to victory. 

Pascale Leclerc. 

Pascale has always known that Charles was different from other children. The obsession he showed to anything related with cars, later with racing, paired with his own ambition— not every child is like this. She watched her little angel, her little rascal grow up, become a terror to his fellow competitors and impressing the right people. 

She had known his faults and his best sides— Pascale knows her children like any mother does and Charles is no different to that. So of course she knows, she knows that while he finally fulfilled his dream, he abandoned another. She sees it clearly on how he steers away from the iconic red cars, how instead he lets his brother fulfill his dream, his father’s dream.

Pascale knows how much her son is hurting, despite his brilliant smile. Despite him doing the impossible, despite him winning again and again, her son had always been a sensible soul. 

She knows of his tears that he tries to hide, she knows of his pain, hidden away by his achievements and records. 

And like any mother would, she takes him in her arms, tells him how much she loves him, how proud she is and promises to support him in any decision he makes. She can’t do more, not when her son is all grown up now. 

Fernando Alonso. 

Fernando has known, the moment Charles Leclerc stepped in the world of Formula One, that this one will be special. He has seen it in Monaco, the young man dragging a Sauber in third place, he has seen it in the replays, the maneuvers he pulled on more experienced drivers. 

But he has especially seen it in Charles himself. Charismatic but friendly, professional but humorous— just the right amount of everything, with so much ambition in that tiny tiny body.

Charles Leclerc was born to be a Formula One racer, he was born to be a winner. And now, he's showing it to the whole world and Fernando couldn’t be more proud. Not when he knows that the future of the racing world has someone like him, leaving the old people like him or Hamilton behind. 

(He’s also very proud to be a grid dad of the little shit, no matter what Seb says, he’s definitely Charles’ favorite.)

Lewis Hamilton. 

Despite what many would say, Valtteri isn’t his favorite teammate. Not anymore. Not when Charles exists. Someone who challenges him and succeeds, all without holding a grudge against him. 

Charles has become a dear friend to him, if not one of his closest, despite ‘taking’ the Championship from him. Charles has become close to him, wiggling into his life and heart so seamlessly. He has done everything Nico failed to do. He has shown his own weaknesses to his teammate and greatest rivals, but didn’t back up from the challenge.

Despite being such a complicated character, Lewis couldn’t think of someone much easier to understand than Charles. Charles… Charles is so similar to him but also so much better. He didn’t become bitter, despite the many bitter things happening to him. 

Lewis admires Charles and he knows that Charles admires him as well. The mutual feelings only helped to grow the closeness between them, becoming the iconic ‘Silver Prince Duo’ the press dubbed them and staying true to the name. 

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are one of the greatest teammates, rivals, duo’s, friends in the history of Formula One. 

Arthur Leclerc. 

His brothers are with him, when he signs for Ferrari, making him teammates with Carlos Sainz. They’re with him and they’re beaming with pride. He ducks his head when Enzo ruffles his hair and almost stumbles when Charlie slaps on his back. 

Charlie— Charles. His brother. He should have this seat, bright red instead of the eerie white, he should be here, in the midst of— but instead it’s him, the youngest Leclerc, all thanks to Charles. 

He knows, god, he knows how much he owes Charles. He wouldn’t be here, with Fred, with Carlos, with Ferrari, he would be still battling and probably losing in the lower categories. He knows — the money, the connections, he all owes it to Charles. 

He knows and he won’t disappoint him. He won’t let his brother down. At least one Leclerc will be driving for Ferrari, making their father proud. They already have a World Champion in their family, now it’s his time to give back everything he can. 

Toto Wolff.

Many doubted him, when he signed a young driver, an almost rookie next to Lewis Hamilton, a living legend. Many doubted him, when Charles began to challenge Lewis, and many will continue to doubt him. 

But he doesn’t. He doesn’t doubt himself and his drivers, instead he fully believes in them. The deep trust he’s shown his drivers is not something usual in the Paddock, he knows, but ever since Charles admitted the truth. The truth of promising to become a Ferrari driver but instead fulfilling his dream of winning. 

Ever since then, Toto has known that his team will continue to win, and be the brightest stars. His whole team, not just a singular driver. 

And when they ask why he was so full of trust in these doubting moments, he will always reply with the same answer. Toto Wolff is a business man and he has done an investment he fully believed in. 

(If his closer allies ask, no, he didn’t fall for Charles’ charm, it’s all his talent he has shown in his rookie year, don’t get your facts twisted.)

George Russell.

George is in his rookie season when Charles goes absolutely bonkers on track. He’s at the end of the end, barely coming along with his Williams while Charles finishes first and second, collecting points as if it’s the easiest he has done in his whole life. 

He watches how history is made while he’s still in his awkward stage of trying to belong, watching how Charles has an actual chance of winning the Championship. He hears his bright laughter, the accented English, he sees the fumbling hands the moment he steps out of the car and the passion he shows. 

George watches and knows, despite his plans for Mercedes, they will not succeed. No matter how many statistics he brings in front of Toto, no matter how he presents himself, never, never will he surpass what Charles Leclerc has done in the 2019 season. It seems unfair, as if he’s talking himself down, but no— he’s just being realistic. 

While he is one of the 20 best drivers in the world, he’s nowhere near Charles. Not now, not at this stage, not with this car. And maybe he’ll never be. 

Max Verstappen. 

Max watches Charles. He has always watched him, keeping his eyes on him, even when half of the world was between them. He watched and watched, growing into his own seat, his own team, all while Charles slowly paved his way through the Formula World. 

And then he started winning. Flushed and bright-eyed, Charles took everything with greedy, greedy hands, clinching victories close to him and not stopping . 

It left him tumbling, losing his footing, and Charles, still the twelve year old boy— still the same and oh so differently passed him with a grin on his face and didn’t look back. 

Charles never looks back. Never has and never will, he has proved the world again and again that he’s worthy. Worthy of everything, to stand among legends, to become a champion, to become a legend on his own.

It leaves him breathless, everytime he sees Charles above him, arms raised to the sky, soaked in champagne— and Max… and Max stumbles behind him, slowly catching up, taking years to be in the same league, years until he finally becomes a World Champion as well, years to become a legend, years to be worthy to stand next to him. 

(Charles Leclerc has several rivalries with notable drivers, but the biggest one in the history of Formula One will forever be with Max Verstappen.)

Victoria. 

She smiles gently, seeing her blessed one succeed. Fulfilling his dream, passion lighting up his soul and dedication pumping through his body. He has done it, her beloved chosen child, il predestinato . 

Placing a gentle kiss on his hair, she watches how he does the impossible, scorching his name down in the history books, never letting this generation and the future ones forget about him. The wonder of Charles Leclerc, destined to bring glory to the most prestigious, instead clad in silver and black— they adore him the same. 

She watches with keen eyes, her immortal heart filling with pride, with wonder, with adoration. And yet… she can feel his soul screaming, begging to be clothed in the bright red, to be surrounded by the warmth of the Tifosi. She can see his weariness slowly disappearing, she can see him pretending to be well, convincing even himself. She can see his heart begging for love, to be cherished and…

He’s happy, he has achieved his dream. He has won. But the color was all wrong. 

So she blesses him once again.