Nicolas Todt on Charles Leclerc: "I am the only manager who invests money"
Nicolas Todt has been around Formula 1 for much of his life. His father, Jean Todt, is the president of the FIA and the family have a lot of influence in the world of F1. The younger Todt is a manager for a few Formula 1 drivers and played a role in Charles Leclerc's new contract with Ferrari.
Nicolas Todt is trying to remove himself from his father's shadow and has set up his own area of the sport where he can excel. Leclerc is the biggest name that he manages and he is pleased with how things have gone.
“I am most proud of the career of Leclerc. I helped to ensure that he finally made the move to Ferrari," Todt proudly tells Motorsport Magazin.
“I offered him a contract at the age of fourteen. He ran out of money and was about to quit. I introduced it to Ferrari shortly thereafter. Now he drives F1 at the Scuderia. That would never have happened if they didn't believe in him."
Todt believes this is what sets him apart. His ability to invest in drivers that otherwise might not make it.
"I am the only manager who invests money in his drivers, that's what sets me apart. The situation changes if you invest money yourself. Then you no longer just give advice. That's how I did it with Leclerc."
Leclerc has been a huge success story and having confirmed today that he will extend his contract with Ferrari, Todt's involvement has paid off.