Charles Leclerc’s Pre-Race Rituals

I mean, regardless of Stephen A. Smith’s opinion on whether race car drivers are athletes, there’s no debating that they totally are. Recently, Charles Leclerc, a top Ferrari F1 driver, shared a glimpse into his race preparation methods.

The 28-year-old mentioned that he came up with his pre-race routine during this year’s Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

Before gearing up for a fast-paced ride in his Formula 1 car—where he faces gravitational forces akin to those experienced by astronauts—Leclerc follows three surprisingly simple rituals.

“Yes, I jump rope, take a bath, and stick to a diet,” he revealed. “I usually eat the same thing before getting in the car.” It’s an interesting point because I think we can all agree that consuming the wrong meal before hitting the road, even at just 125 mph, could lead to feeling pretty nauseous.

So, what exactly does he eat ahead of an F1 Grand Prix? Leclerc explained, “I typically eat white fish or chicken, but in small portions, along with some carbohydrates, so rice tends to be easier on my stomach before I get in the F1 car.” I mean, it sounds straightforward enough.

Eating what seemed like bland food might not be what everyone aspires to, but hey, if that’s what it takes to be at the top of the game, then that’s Leclerc for you.

F1’s also coming back after an unexpected month-long break due to postponed races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, leading up to the Miami Grand Prix in early May.

After three race weekends, Leclerc is viewed as having one of the best cars on the grid, arguably second only to Mercedes, along with teammate Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, the FIA and F1 are rolling out new regulatory changes based on team feedback to enhance racing dynamics, qualifying, and driver safety.