F1 Update Today; 27-year-old Charles Leclerc Monacan motorsports racing driver terminate his contract and announce…
Somehow, Leclerc’s address was leaked. Now, people keep showing up at his apartment seeking autographs and
melbourne, australia march 30 charles leclerc of monaco and ferrari attends the drivers press conference during previews ahead of the f1 grand prix of australia at albert park grand prix circuit on march 30, 2023 in melbourne, australia photo by dan istitenegetty images
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With a busy 23-race season, Charles Leclerc is rarely at his Monaco home. But when the Ferrari driver is, he has a problem—fans keep showing up at his door. Now, he’s asking them to please stop, The New York Times reports.
The Times quotes a now-expired Instagram story where the driver said “For the past few months my home address has somehow become public, leading to people gathering beneath my apartment, ringing my bell and asking for pictures and autographs…While I’m always happy to be there for you and truly appreciate your support, please respect my privacy and refrain from coming to my house.”
Thanks in large part to Netflix’s huge Drive to Survive series, Formula 1 has exploded in popularity. Drivers like Leclerc are international celebrities like no racers before them. With that fame comes legions of fans who want a piece of their favorite drivers.
Many F1 drivers live in Monaco for its favorable climate, ease of travel to other European cities, and lack of income tax (a fact humorously skewered by Jeremy Clarkson in an old TV segment). Traditionally, the principality also offered drivers some level of privacy, too, though this is apparently changing. Leclerc is the rare F1 driver to be born and raised in Monaco.
Last year, Leclerc had his Richard Mille watch stolen in the Italian resort town of Viareggio by two individuals who posed as fans asking for a selfie. Understandably, he’s likely worried about his privacy and safety now that his address is public information.
Headshot of Chris Perkins
