Formula 1 released a promotional video ahead of the Netherlands Grand Prix 2026. The video features the well-known driver Charles Leclerc from Monaco.

In the behind-the-scenes video ‘Serious Chess Chat With Charles’, Leclerc considers which move to make for maximum cinematic effect. Formula 1 social media channels posted photos of Charles at the chessboard:

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: Formula 1 X