Ten seasons of Formula 2 bring plenty of history, and few stories matter more to the championship's roots than its inaugural winner. Charles Leclerc took the 2017 crown in style, and looking back at that campaign reveals just how vital the second tier was in shaping his trajectory toward Formula 1.
Formula 2 served as a massive technical turning point for the driver. It introduced him to proper pit stops and intricate race strategies for the very first time, moving away from fixed tactical approaches into a realm where he had to actively think about the chess match of a race. On top of that, the machinery itself provided the closest possible bridge to a Formula 1 car, giving him vital exposure to aerodynamics, tire degradation, and the complex behaviors of heavy downforce beasts.
When asked about the secret to making that grueling jump up the ladder, his advice to the next generation is beautifully simple: work hard, take it step by step, and push flat out. That relentless approach defined his time with PREMA, where sharing a garage with teammate Antonio Fuoco created a deep bond and countless brilliant off-track memories with a squad that all got on super well together.
Among all the races, one stands out above the rest. His final race in the category at Abu Dhabi delivered his absolute favorite winning moment, featuring a fierce fight with Alex that remained razor-tight right down to the very last lap. That same battle also produced his favorite overtake of his career in the series.
Growing up, he always heard those screaming engines and dreamed of racing in the championship. The timing worked out so that it officially became Formula 2 right as he arrived, making the achievement of claiming that inaugural title feel all the more cool and special.
