Charles Leclerc’s rise to Formula 1 has been driven by more than talent alone.
Long before Ferrari and global recognition as one of the world’s leading racers, he was a young driver from Monaco with a singular focus on reaching the top of motorsport. After dominating karting and climbing through the junior ranks, Leclerc won back-to-back titles in GP3 and Formula 2 before making his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2018. A year later, Ferrari came calling.
Since then, Leclerc has built a reputation for his precision behind the wheel and the calm, detail-orientated persona he carries away from the track. Whether through understated fashion, his growing interest in music, or carefully chosen creative partnerships, he has gradually revealed more of himself beyond racing.
His latest venture with Chivas Regal continues that evolution. Launching ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Chivas Regal 16 is both the first 16-year-old expression of the brand’s history and Leclerc’s signature blend.
Created alongside Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, the project saw Leclerc travel to Scotland, sample across the Chivas portfolio, and help shape whisky from concept to final blend. The finished release combines 16 whiskies, each aged at least 16 years, anchored by the number that has followed Leclerc throughout his life and career.
Ahead of the launch, we sat down with Leclerc to talk about identity, ambition, burnout and the importance of staying grounded while living one of the fastest lives in sport.
Culted: You’ve been working with Chivas Regal for a while. Why was this the right moment to create something with your name attached to it?
Charles Leclerc: It came down to knowledge and timing. We started working together because we share the same values: hard work, innovation, and pushing boundaries. Over time, I learned a lot about whisky and the process behind it. I visited Scotland, met Sandy several times, and became fascinated by how everything comes together.
Eventually, I challenged Sandy to create something that reflected my personal taste and the number 16. We worked on it together over time, with plenty of back and forth when I couldn’t travel. The goal was to create something unique that genuinely represented me, and I really enjoyed the process.
You said you wanted the collaboration to show you in a new light. What did you want it to express beyond racing?
My personal taste and attention to detail. Whenever I commit to something, I want to do it properly and with passion. This project felt like the right moment because I had spent enough time understanding the product and developing a real connection to it. Attention to detail was probably the main thing we wanted to highlight, both for me and for Chivas.
What were the early days of your career like before Formula One?
Very different. Since I was three or four years old, my dream was always to become a Formula One driver for Ferrari.
Before Formula One, life was simple. People often associate Monaco with a certain lifestyle, but that wasn’t my experience. I grew up in a grounded family that taught me values I still carry today.
Life has changed a lot now, but I don’t think I’ve changed as a person. That’s why I keep close to the people who knew me before Formula One. Travelling the world and having that level of attention is incredible, and I’m very grateful for it, but it’s important to remember where I came from.
The number 16 is central to this release. What does it mean to you personally?
It’s my birth date, so it’s always been meaningful to me. It’s also a number that has brought me luck throughout my career, from karting to Formula One. It’s a number that has stayed with me through many positive moments, so it means a lot to me personally.
Your schedule is intense. How do you deal with burnout?
Of course I get tired sometimes because we travel constantly. But I also know how lucky I am to do what I love professionally. Everyone goes through difficult moments. When that happens, I remind myself how fortunate I am, and that usually helps me move forward quickly. I never want to lose sight of that perspective.
If you could speak to your 15-year-old self, what would you say?
I probably wouldn’t say much because the journey shaped who I am today. Every experience teaches you something and helps build your character. The only thing I might say is not to overthink so much. That’s something I still work on today. I’d tell myself to relax more and trust the process.
Charles Leclerc’s Chivas Regal 16 is now available to purchase via the official Chivas Regal website.
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