Formula One star Charles LeClerc has made little-to-no secret of his passion projects away from the pressure cooker of the racing grid. Last month the Ferrari driver revealed his latest ‘side quest’ with the launch of a new apparel line, CL16.
“My fans often comment on my ‘side quests,’ and honestly, I take that as a compliment,” says LeClerc. “These aren’t distractions, they’re part of how I think, express myself, and create.” And express himself he certainly does with this limited-edition collection of twelve pieces that are directly inspired by 1990s fashion. All early metrics indicate that they will fly off shelves quicker than a lap at Yas Marina.
ESQ: What inspired you to start your own apparel line?
CL: It is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I really wanted to build a line that felt authentic to me; pieces that reflect what I genuinely love to wear and what I appreciate most about fashion, which is comfort, quality, and a timeless simplicity.
ESQ: How much did travelling for races influence your design choices?
CL: Travelling so often for races definitely shaped the collection. Life on the road makes you appreciate clothes that feel good, are easy to wear, and move with you. Comfort becomes essential when you’re constantly on the go. It’s pretty simple: if you feel good, you do good.
ESQ: All that travelling can be strenuous on the body. How do you ensure you’re rested and race-ready when dealing with jet lag and new environments?
CL: It’s always a challenge, but with experience you learn how to manage it better. Rest is one of the most important things for an F1 driver because it directly affects focus and performance. I have a few small tricks—adjusting my clock to the next destination as early as possible, especially my mealtimes, so my body can ease into the new time zone before I even get there.
ESQ: Do you have any specific routines or pre-race rituals before race day?
CL: It might surprise you, but I always take a micro-nap on race day. It helps sharpen my focus and ensure I’m fully prepared. I also follow the same warm-up routine with my trainer and stick to a very consistent preparation mindset. The intensity and buzz of an environment like the F1 grid is unlike anything else in the lead-up to a race, but you learn how to manage that energy; how to reset quickly and keep absolute focus on the task ahead.
ESQ: If you could only check into one hotel for the rest of your life, which would it be?
CL: Honestly, I check into so many hotels during the year that if I had the choice, I’d check into “home” and stay there as much as possible. Travelling so much makes you appreciate the comfort of home and everything it stands for.
ESQ: What is your favourite travel memory you’ve had with your fiancé [Alexandra Saint Mleux’]?
CL: The holiday in Mexico for the New Year’s Eve of 2025. That was a very special one as all my family were there and we absolutely love Mexico. It was very special.
ESQ: Music is very important to you. What’s on your pre-race playlist lately?
CL: It really depends on the mood I want to be in. If I’m feeling a bit nervous or tense, I’ll listen to relaxing music, classical music, often even my own compositions. If I need more energy or feel a little sleepy, I’ll choose tracks that give me a real boost.
ESQ: And what do you listen to when you fly or travel?
CL: I like to discover new sounds. Not one particular genre, anything really but just something I haven’t heard before.
ESQ: Are there any destinations still on your bucket list, or what has been your most memorable holiday so far?
CL: There are still many places I want to visit and spend more time in. One of my biggest bucket-list destinations is going to Antarctica and it’s actually about to be ticked off early next year. I’m super excited about that.
ESQ: Going into 2026, what are you most excited about?
CL: Every new year offers new possibilities. I love that moment where you can look back at what you’ve accomplished and also look ahead. 2026 will be an exciting year, both professionally and personally, and I can’t wait to see what it has in store.
