Leclerc eyes racing options outside F1

Charles Leclerc has confirmed his interest in taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans before calling time on his racing career.

The Monégasque driver is also not completely opposed to entering the Indianapolis 500 at some point.

The expanded F1 calendar leaves drivers with little chance to explore racing opportunities away from the series, as was the case in past decades.

Ferrari, one of the most successful manufacturers at Le Mans, has triumphed at the last two events in the Hypercar category.

Many F1 drivers, including reigning world champion Max Verstappen, have voiced their desire to compete at Le Mans – with Leclerc now joining the list of hopefuls.

“I’m really interested in doing Le Mans one day,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. 

“Indianapolis is not something that I’ve been particularly looking at. However, maybe one day.

“But Le Mans is definitely one of those races that I would like to compete in one day. I don’t know when, but hopefully soon.”

Leclerc has won twice during the current F1 season, prevailing on familiar soil in Monaco before taking victory in Italy at Ferrari’s home event.

Ferrari arrived at Monza last weekend with an upgrade to boost its prospects and can now cast one eye on the constructors’ championship with the gap to Red Bull reading just 40 points.

Although the Monte Carlo and Monza tracks pose different challenges, Leclerc insisted he cannot place one victory as being more special than the other.

“[They are] two very different tracks, but it feels good to be winning on those two tracks,” he said. 

“That, for sure, means more – Monaco as a Monégasque and here as a Ferrari driver. 

“Both are a very, very special feeling and I wouldn’t want to choose between them, as the two are very, very special.”