With the cancellation of the Imola GP, F1 fans will be eagerly waiting for next weekend’s race in the iconic street circuit of Monaco. However, local boy Charles Leclerc has given F1 fans a midweek fixture to keep an eye out for.
Leclerc will be leading a team of F1 drivers in this year’s Monaco World Stars Football Match. His opposition will be led by none other than 22-Grand Slam winning Tennis star, Novak Djokovic
The football match which is held annually, is an old tradition in the Principality and raises funds for underprivileged children. The game will take place on the 23rd of May at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco.
Over the years, we’ve seen F1 stars play some scintillating football at the stadium in Monaco, before suiting up for their F1 race. Like every season, the biggest names in F1 are set to take part in the event. However, most of the support at the Stade Louis II will be for hometown hero, Leclerc.
Charles Leclerc to play against Novak Djokovic
Every year, ahead of the esteemed Monaco GP, celebrities and F1 stars kick off this noble event to raise charity. This year, Charles Leclerc and other F1 drivers will face off against Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic and Co. in the Monaco World Stars Football Match.
Around 30 celebrities are expected to take part in the charity football match. Leclerc will also be joined by his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who is expected to take part in the game.
Leclerc’s close friend Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso will also play for F1 drivers. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s team will feature the likes of Lisa Battaglia, Flavio Roma, Frederic Dehu, Claude Puel, Sébastien Perez, Greg Campi, and Valentin Liénard
Previously the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Antonio Giovinazzi and Mick Schumacher have also competed in the charity match. Former F1 drivers David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen and Mark Webber have also participated in the game.
Leclerc shows his love for Tennis by attending Monte Carlo Masters
During the 3-week break after the 2023 Australian GP, F1 drivers took time off from racing to relax. Charles Leclerc was back home in Monaco and chose to watch some tennis during his weeks off.
The 25-year-old attended the finals of the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters along with his brother Arthur Leclerc and Gasly. The trio attended the men’s singles final between young stars Andrey Rublev and Holger Rune.
The Monegasque was thrilled to watch the final as Rublev beat Rune 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 in the final to claim his first Masters title. The Leclerc brothers and Gasly later took some pictures with the finalists, which they posted on their Instagram account.
As quoted by ATP Tour, the Monegasque said after the game,
“I’m extremely excited, it’s one of the biggest events of the year here in Monaco, I’m really happy to be here. Seeing such a big sports event here in Monaco and seeing so many people attending.”
His friend Gasly added,
“It’s my first time here in Monte-Carlo for the Masters, definitely excited to be following the final. I love the competition. I love to be able to see greatness in a different environment.”
Plenty of F1 royalty was spotted during the tournament. AlphaTauri driver Nyck De Vries was in attendance for semifinal match between Taylor Fritz and Andrey Rublev. While Russell and his girlfriend attended Djokovic’s Round of 32 bout against Ivan Gakhov
