Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc challenged Hikaru Nakamura to an unconventional chess match. The match between Leclerc and Nakamura will take place on September 1 at the Chivas Regal Arena of Mastery in Italy.

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc

Formula 1 driver

“Hey Hikaru, it’s Charles Leclerc!

I’m a big fan of everything you’ve achieved in chess, but I know you really love whiskey and I wanted to tell you a bit more about what we’ve created with Chivas Regal. We’ve created my own blend, the Chivas Regal 16, which there’s been a lot of work behind the scenes in order to get the final product, which I’m very proud of.

And to match that, we created my own game. As you know, I’m a big chess fan. And so, we’ve created ‘Ces’ or ‘Cés’, depending on how you call it.

‘Cés’ meaning 16 in French, which is my favorite number. And there’s a lot of inspiration from chess, but it’s slightly different. I’ve been practicing quite a lot, so I feel I’m getting at a reasonably good level.

I’m just really looking forward to try and challenge you on my game. I hope to see you soon and good luck for everything.”

The match will be streamed on Chivas Regal’s YouTube channel. Viewers are invited to submit questions for Leclerc and Nakamura. They will answer questions after the challenge.

Charles Leclerc is known in the chess community as an amateur player. Leclerc frequently plays on online chess platforms during flights and in his free time. Charles participated in a chess challenge with his former teammate Carlos Sainz in 2021. In 2025, the driver shared that he plays online chess matches with his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Credit: Florian Schust