Olympics 2024: Charles Leclerc Confirmed for Major Role in Opening Ceremony in Monaco

Alex Harrington | Jun 17, 2024

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles LeClerc of Monaco (16) celebrates after securing pole position during qualifying at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Leclerc, renowned Formula 1 driver for Ferrari and Monaco native, is set to play a pivotal role in the Paris 2024 Olympic festivities. On June 18, Leclerc will proudly carry the Olympic torch through the streets of Monaco, symbolizing his participation in a global tradition that dates back to ancient times. This event marks a significant moment, not only for Lecler but for the principality itself, showcasing its vibrant culture and illustrious history on the world stage.

The Olympic torch relay in Monaco, part of the broader ceremonial events leading up to the Paris Games, will include a special procession. After receiving the torch, Leclerc will hand it off to skier Alexandra Coletti. The torch will subsequently make its way through a sequence of Monegasque athletes including tennis player Xiaoxin Yang and bobsleigh competitor Rudy Rinaldi, eventually reaching the hands of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

This year's Olympics holds historical significance as Paris will be hosting the Games for the third time, the last occasion being exactly a century ago, in 1924, with an earlier event in 1900. The torch, which was lit on April 16 in Olympia, Greece, commenced its journey towards the grand opening ceremony set for July 26 in Paris, offering a symbolic link between the ancient and modern iterations of the games.

At 26, Charles Leclerc's career in Formula 1 has been nothing short of remarkable. With seven seasons under his belt, his recent victory at the Monaco Grand Prix exemplifies his skills and determination—a trait he carries over into his role in the Olympic torch relay. Just days before, Leclerc was seen pushing the limits at the Canadian Grand Prix's third practice session in Montreal, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier athlete, despite struggles with his SF-24's setup.

The selection of athletes like Leclerc as torchbearers reflects a longstanding tradition of involving notable figures from various sports disciplines, echoing the participation of legends like Michel Platini in 1992 and Muhammad Ali in 1996. While motorsports like Formula 1 do not feature in the Olympics, there has been significant crossover. Notably, Ferrari showcased its prowess during the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, and former F1 driver Alex Zanardi won paralympic medals in hand cycling in 2012 and 2016.

As Paris prepares to welcome the global community, unprecedented sporting activities are slated across the region and beyond. Events are distributed across iconic locations like Stade Roland Garros and Place de la Concorde, with some competitions even reaching as far as Tahiti. This distribution not only celebrates France's cultural and geographical diversity but also cultivates a unique Olympic experience.