In the days leading up to the British Grand Prix, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc made headlines with the acquisition of a rare Ferrari 275 GTB valued at around $2.5 million. The Monegasque racer was spotted driving this striking black classic in Paris, showcasing his renowned passion for Ferrari road cars through this exceptional addition.
Leclerc’s latest purchase, a beautifully restored Series I Ferrari 275 GTB, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media platforms. Autosport highlighted the footage on X, revealing the details of this vintage sports car, which complements Leclerc’s already impressive collection. The 275 GTB, manufactured between 1964 and 1966 by Pininfarina, is celebrated for its elegant design and technical innovations like the transaxle and independent rear suspension.
Reports indicate that Leclerc acquired this 1960s masterpiece in June 2025, initially driving it around Monaco before being seen recently in Paris behind the wheel. The car’s black exterior paired with tan leather upholstery distinguishes it as a rare variant of the 275 GTB, emphasizing Leclerc’s appreciation for historically significant Ferraris from the Enzo Ferrari era.
Adding the 275 GTB enriches Leclerc’s already stellar garage, which features high-performance modern Ferraris including the SF90 Stradale, SF90 XX Stradale, Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, Ferrari Daytona SP3, and a limited Ferrari 812 Competizione A. Alongside these Italian thoroughbreds, Leclerc also owns a Porsche 911 R (991) — a lightweight, manual-transmission model that reflects his fondness for traditional driving experiences.
Challenging Race Weekend for Leclerc at Silverstone
Despite his exciting car acquisition, Leclerc faced a difficult outing during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, delivering one of his most challenging performances in recent memory. The Scuderia Ferrari driver finished in 14th place, overshadowed by teammate Lewis Hamilton’s strong run to fourth position.
The race’s difficulties began early when Leclerc opted for the riskier tire strategy. He started the formation lap behind the Safety Car on Medium slick tires after switching from intermediates before the lights went out. This gamble backfired as rain intensified around lap ten, forcing another pit stop to return him to intermediate tires, by which time he had already lost significant track position.
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur reflected on the strategy, stating,
“I’m not sure that the pure pace is the main issue today, but what is true is that on Charles, at least, the race was done on Lap 1. We made the call to pit for slicks… The call is coming from the driver, for sure. But I have also to be fair, that I could have said no, but they are on track.”
Even when the track conditions improved and other drivers began testing dry tires, Leclerc continued to struggle with consistency. Multiple off-track excursions marred his race, underscoring Ferrari’s ongoing challenges with the SF-25’s setup and strategy this season.
Leclerc shared his perspective after the race:
“One of the most difficult races for me, if not the most difficult race of my career. I just struggled to keep the car on track from the first lap to the last lap. I don’t know from where it’s coming from,”
he said to F1.
Meanwhile, competitors made notable gains: Lewis Hamilton came close to a podium finish, and Nico Hülkenberg impressed by securing third place for Sauber. Leclerc’s disappointing day intensifies questions about Ferrari’s race execution and car performance heading into the crucial stages of the championship.
Leclerc’s Position in the Championship and Ferrari’s Outlook
After Silverstone, Charles Leclerc remains fifth in the Drivers’ Championship standings with 119 points, well behind the leaders. Ferrari holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship with 222 points, trailing McLaren, who lead with 460 points. This gap highlights the importance of improving race strategies and vehicle setups as the season progresses.
Leclerc’s recent Ferrari 275 GTB acquisition provides a stark contrast to his current struggles on track, reflecting his deep connection to Ferrari’s heritage while facing modern racing challenges. As the Formula 1 season continues, his performance and Ferrari’s development will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Charles Leclerc a billionaire?
A. By 2025, Charles Leclerc has an estimated net worth of about $125 million. Most of his wealth comes from his high-paying Ferrari contract, winnings from races, and several sponsorship deals. Over time, his earnings have increased a lot, making him one of the top-earning drivers in the sport.
Q. Does Charles Leclerc have a PhD?
A. Dr. Charles Leclerc earned a doctorate in neuropsychology from Université de Montréal, focusing on both clinical work and scientific research. His thesis explored how the brain reorganizes itself when there is little or no stimulation in a certain brain area, resulting in several scientific articles.
