Leclerc and the comparison with legends, the driver is still without a crown in Formula 1

シャル・レクラーク celebrated his 29th birthday on October 16th, arriving at this age with a record of 9 wins, 55 podiums, and 27 pole positions in Formula 1. The figure, despite the pilot's great potential from Monaco, still falls short of expectations, also because of a Ferrari that has often not been a competitor. But how does Leclerc compare to other Formula 1 legends at the same age? The Monegasque's career has been closely tied to Ferrari, from the early days in the junior academy, testing with Haas and debuting with Sauber, to the swift promotion to the official Maranello team, where he replaced Kimi Raikkonen. In his ninth Formula 1 season, the Monaco driver secured second place in the World Championship in 2022 and third in 2024. However, his career has not yet produced the great success that was expected. HAMILTON AND SHUMAKER Luis Hamilton, currently the team's teammate at Ferrari, had already won his first World Championship with MekLaren. At the age of 29, the Englishman tallied 22 wins and 54 podiums. Later, he will win another six titles, reaching the peak of his career after 30. Even Mikael Schumacher had a noticeably better record at this age. The German legend had won two World Championships with Bettenin, while tallying 27 wins and 54 podiums. Later, he will dominate with Ferrari, winning five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004. ALONSO AND RAIKONEN Fernando Alonso also won two World Championships with Renault, recording 23 wins and 57 podiums. Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen secured his only title in 2007, with 17 wins and 55 podiums, the same as Leclerc. But the more difficult comparison for the Ferrari driver is with Sebastian Vettel. The German had won four consecutive World Championships with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013 at this age. In his record, he had 42 wins, 84 podiums, and 46 pole positions, figures clearly higher than Monaco's. SENNA, PROST AND HAKINEN In comparison with the legends of the past, Ayrton Senna had won one World Championship, 15 races, and secured 37 podiums and 30 pole positions. Alen Prost, on the other hand, tallied 16 wins and 26 podiums, while his major titles would come in the years following, between the ages of 30 and 38. Even Mika Häkkinen, one of Schumacher's biggest rivals, won his two World Championships with MekLaren at the ages of 30 and 31. For Leclerc, these comparisons show that the time to reach the top has not yet come. However, to turn the talent and speed into World Championships, he will need a more competitive Ferrari and the possibility to fight regularly for victories.