Ferrari Star Charles Leclerc Delivers Final Verdict on Pineapple Pizza in… read more
Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has delivered a passionate and humorous verdict on one of the internet’s most divisive debates: pineapple on pizza. The Monegasque driver, known for his focus and precision on the racetrack, showed a lighter side in a recent campaign video for global sportswear brand PUMA. In the video, Leclerc was humorously named “president” and given executive-style authority to make a series of tongue-in-cheek decisions on a range of topics — from food faux pas to Formula 1 stereotypes.
Leclerc, 27, became a global ambassador for PUMA in 2024 and has since featured prominently in the brand’s Ferrari-linked campaigns. His latest appearance, posted on Instagram, had him donning a mock-presidential role, where he humorously ruled on cultural and sporting issues. One of the headline moments came when Leclerc was asked to weigh in on whether pineapple belongs on pizza — a debate that has long stirred strong opinions across the globe.
“Ordering a pizza with pineapple should get you forever banned from Italy and that’s it,” Leclerc declared with a grin, delivering his humorous but decisive verdict. His passionate defense of Italian pizza purity struck a chord with fans and Italians alike, with many applauding the Ferrari driver’s allegiance to traditional culinary values. His quip was not only entertaining but also showcased his Italian racing heritage, given Ferrari’s deep national roots in Italy.
Leclerc’s role as a mock president extended beyond food. He was also asked to comment on a frequent and often dismissive description of Formula 1 — that it’s simply “cars driving in circles.” In true racing driver fashion, Leclerc showed little tolerance for such views. He approved a motion stating that anyone who makes such a remark should be sent on an intensive course to understand the complexities of the sport. The statement resonated with F1 fans, many of whom are often frustrated by misconceptions about the discipline and strategy required in racing.
Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing “presidential” policy came when Leclerc was asked whether fans should be given the following Monday off work if a race takes place at night between Sunday and Monday. Without hesitation, Leclerc approved the motion, clearly aligning himself with the desires of F1’s global fanbase. However, PUMA and Leclerc were quick to clarify — with a wink — that he holds no actual legislative power, and fans should not expect an official day off after the next night race.
Beyond the playful campaign, Leclerc remains a serious competitor on the track. While his presidential role may be fictional, his current standing within the Ferrari team is anything but. In the ongoing 2025 F1 season, Leclerc has asserted his dominance within the team, out-qualifying his new teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, in five of the last six races. The Monegasque currently leads Hamilton by 12 points in the drivers’ standings, a respectable margin that reflects his consistent performance.
Still, not everything has gone smoothly for Leclerc and Ferrari. The recent Miami Grand Prix proved disappointing for the Scuderia, as the team’s race strategy once again came under fire. Despite some promising qualifying results, Ferrari struggled with race pace and failed to challenge Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, even after switching their driver strategy mid-race. Leclerc, never one to shy away from accountability, was candid in his post-race comments. He called for the team to “do better,” acknowledging the frustration of another messy race weekend.
While Leclerc’s campaign with PUMA has earned laughs and likes on social media, it also underscores his growing influence and appeal beyond the racetrack. As a global ambassador, he has become a key figure not only in motorsport but in fashion and pop culture, representing both PUMA and Ferrari on a broader stage. His charismatic personality, combined with his talent behind the wheel, continues to elevate his profile in the sporting world.
Whether laying down the law on pineapple pizza or dissecting the nuances of Formula 1, Charles Leclerc has shown he can balance humor, authority, and humility in a way that resonates with fans around the globe. His presidential debut may be fictional, but in the world of Formula 1 and beyond, Leclerc is clearly a star with real influence.
