PARIS — Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has been named a global ambassador of L’Oréal Paris.
The 28-year-old joins the world’s largest beauty brand to front L’Oréal Paris Men Expert and the L’Oréal Paris hair care and styling ranges.
“I will always associate L’Oréal Paris with my mother,” Leclerc said in a statement. “She is a hairdresser, so I grew up seeing L’Oréal Paris products all around the house and watching the adverts on TV.
“I am so grateful to have such strong women in my life and am incredibly proud to be joining a brand that stands for female empowerment,” he said. “I truly believe that men’s strength comes through support and partnership of this mission.”
Leclerc was born and grew up in Monte Carlo. He started competitive kart racing at age 7, then won the junior World Cup in 2011. His Formula 1 debut took place in 2018. The next year, Leclerc signed with Scuderia Ferrari, making him the second-youngest pole-sitter in the sport’s history at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
He has won eight Grand Prix titles and achieved 52 podium finishes. So far this year, driving his Ferrari Formula 1, Leclerc has achieved two podium appearances in three races.
Away from the track, he spends time with his family, including wife Alexandra and miniature long-haired dachshund Leo. Leclerc is also a pianist, composer and investor in young businesses.
Leclerc’s nomination reflects L’Oréal Paris’ position and ambition toward men, according to Olivier Monteil, senior vice president of global image at the brand.
“Not only for Men Expert, which is our skin care and hygiene range, but also for hair care and the importance of men in terms of audience and customer,” Monteil said. “It is within this context that we keep on building and accelerating our efforts to connect with men.”
Skin Expert is already the first-ranking men’s beauty brand worldwide.
L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic
Courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
Formula 1 — a sport becoming ever more popular — has been on L’Oréal Paris’ radar for a while. One year ago, it signed on driver Carlos Sainz.
“The sense of innovation, of excellence and of individual performance that lies in Formula 1 is very obvious for L’Oréal Paris and its pioneering science, sense of innovation and excellence,” Monteil said. “It is true that Formula 1 is the new global cultural capital. It’s not only the most-watched motorsport in the world, but it’s also, interestingly, the sport that has grown the most in terms of fanbase.”
That fanbase has increased 63 percent versus 2018. It’s the sport that has the largest audience of women as well, Monteil said.
He added that Leclerc “is someone who fully owns his relationship with self care, appearance and emotion.”
“We are very keen to feature men as ambassadors who are the new allies of women,” said Monteil, referring to men who understand their own and women’s self-worth.
Leclerc joins L’Oréal’s roster of ambassadors, including Simone Ashley, Alia Bhatt, Jane Fonda, Elle Fanning, Kendall Jenner and Eva Longoria.
“We are thrilled to welcome Charles to L’Oréal Paris. His permanent quest of excellence, his determination and resilience coupled with his sensitivity, his curiosity, his groundedness and his empathy are a great example and inspiration,” said Laetitia Toupet, L’Oréal Paris global president, in the statement.
“And that is exactly the kind of role model the world needs today,” she said. “Charles not only represents a hugely aspirational figure, but he embodies our belief that women’s empowerment is not a women-only fight. It becomes real when men and women stand strong together.”
Leclerc will appear in a campaign for L’Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic in June.
