After karting through France and Monaco, Charles moved on to Formula Renault, Formula Three and the GP2 Series. After being signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy, he was given the opportunity to be test driver for the Haas team, participating in Friday practice sessions for the American squad during the 2016 season.

F1 biography

Growing up in Monaco, Leclerc wasn't short of a racing driver or two to inspire him. He began karting and quickly moved through the ranks in nearby France, as well as at home in Monte Carlo. His success garnered the attention of premier driver manager Nicolas Todt, who signed him up.

After his career in karting, Leclerc moved to single-seater formulae, participating in Formula Renault, where he was instantly successful, taking podiums and wins in his first season. He also joined the Eurocup Formula Renault series before moving up to Formula Three for the 2015 season. He won several races in his inaugural season and finished fourth in the overall championship standings.

Leclerc tested for the ART Grand Prix team in late 2015, hoping for a role in the following year's GP2 season - which he was granted. Ahead of the 2016 Formula One season, Leclerc was signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy, and participated in several Friday practice sessions for the Haas team during the year.