Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc experienced an unexpected disruption during his older brother’s wedding weekend in Lecce, Italy, when large crowds of passionate Ferrari fans appeared and caused commotion around the event. The incident occurred shortly after Leclerc finished fourth at the Monza Grand Prix, with fans following the driver and his girlfriend Alexandra Saint Mleux to the wedding of Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc and Charlotte Di Pietro.
The ceremony, held at the Basilica of Santa Croce in the heart of Lecce’s Salento region, was intended to be a private celebration following the couple’s civil marriage in Monaco in June. However, leaked details of the wedding location drew enthusiastic tifosi, leading to significant disruption as they sought autographs and pictures with Charles Leclerc.
Fans Overwhelm Leclerc’s Family Event with Unwelcome Attention
Despite the couple’s desire for a peaceful family occasion, the crowd around the Basilica was filled with fans wearing Ferrari merchandise, hoping to catch a moment with the Scuderia star. Videos shared on social media showed Leclerc and Saint Mleux dressed elegantly but struggling to manage the crowd’s noisy demands. At times, Leclerc appeared to gesture for the crowd to calm down, attempting to bring some order to the overwhelming enthusiasm.
The presence of the fans quickly drew criticism online, with many expressing shock at the intrusion during such a personal event. One social media user wrote,
“Just saw what happened at Lorenzo’s wedding and I’m speechless, tifosi are simply insane about Charles Leclerc this is not okay, how can you think for a second that it is ok to show up at a wedding, you are trespassing on one of the most important moment of someone’s life.”
— Social Media User
Other voices echoed similar disappointment, highlighting the disrespect shown at a family gathering. One user asked,
“He can’t even enjoy his brother’s wedding in peace?”
— Social Media User
Supporters Decry Breach of Privacy and Call for Respect
The backlash on social media intensified as fans reflected on the impact of this behavior beyond sports arenas. Another comment stressed the importance of respecting intimate moments, stating:
“It’s so disrespectful to see how people love to invade people’s privacy this much, standing there with no shame at all and filming…. and the fact that some people came directly to Charles to sign stuff for them and he did btw, because that’s the kind person that he is. This isn’t a grand prix paddock nor did you see him randomly in the street. You chose to go there after people leaked the address. Shame on you.”
—Social Media User
These reactions underscore the tension between fans’ passion for Leclerc and the need to respect boundaries, especially during private family occasions. The intense fanaticism seen in the tifosi following Leclerc across events now appears to have crossed into invasive territory, raising questions about fan conduct.
Leclerc’s experience is a reminder of the challenges prominent athletes face when trying to balance public expectations with private life, particularly in the demanding schedule of the Formula 1 season. As the racing calendar continues, managing this delicate balance will be crucial for both the driver and those closest to him.
