CHARLES LECLERC PARTNERS WITH CHIVAS REGAL 18

Summary:

• Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc continues his global partnership with Chivas Regal, focusing on his passion for music and piano composition
• The collaboration centers on Chivas Regal 18, an 85-note blend aged for 18 years and crafted by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop
• A multi-channel campaign launches across Milan during the holiday season, including TV, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising

The Monegasco racing driver Charles Leclerc has expanded his role as global brand ambassador for Chivas Regal, with the Scotch whisky brand exploring his personal interests beyond motorsport. The partnership now highlights his self-taught abilities as a pianist and composer, a side of his life he has shared with fans in recent years.

Leclerc's relationship with music mirrors the discipline required in Formula 1. He has spent years developing his skills at the piano without formal training, creating original compositions that he releases to a global audience. This parallel between racing precision and musical expression forms the foundation of the current collaboration.

Chivas Regal 18 serves as the focal point of this campaign. Master Blender Sandy Hyslop creates this expression by hand-selecting each component whisky after maturation in premium oak casks. The blend requires a minimum aging period of 18 years and contains over 85 distinct flavor notes.

The whisky presents an intense amber color. On the nose, layers of dried fruit, butter toffee, and dark chocolate emerge. The palate delivers warmth and persistence, with vanilla, citrus, almond, and cinnamon notes. The finish is smooth and balanced, marked by floral nuances and subtle smoke.

On December 16, Casawi Magazine and select media attended an exclusive tasting event at Ristorante Cavallino Ferrari in Maranello. The restaurant, which recently earned its first Michelin star, operates under the creative direction of Massimo Bottura. His vision takes shape through the work of chefs Riccardo Forapani and Virginia Cattaneo.

The menu at Cavallino Ferrari combines traditional Emilian cuisine with contemporary interpretations. Tortellante's tortellini remain a signature dish, prepared according to regional recipes. The restaurant also features innovative creations like Mòdna, a reinterpreted Sacher cake made with black cherries that pays homage to local ingredients and traditions.

During the Maranello event, guests experienced a guided tasting of Chivas Regal 18 led by Luca Perego, the brand's ambassador. Perego walked attendees through the whisky's complex aromatic profile, demonstrating the depth and variety present in each glass. The tasting highlighted the sensory aspects of the blend, from initial nose to finish.

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director for Chivas Regal, addressed the partnership's evolution. He noted that Leclerc's approach to success, both on track and in personal pursuits, aligns with the brand's values. The connection between musical composition and whisky blending lies in the balance of passion and technical precision.

Leclerc, speaking about his dual interests, described success as a harmony of notes across different areas of life. He draws parallels between creating a musical piece and refining race performance. His view matches the brand's philosophy that individual paths deserve recognition and celebration, regardless of scale.

The campaign will roll out across multiple channels throughout the holiday period. Milan will serve as a primary location for outdoor advertising placements. Television spots and digital video content will run alongside social media activations. Public relations efforts will include editorial partnerships and collaborations with cultural creators and talent to strengthen the brand narrative.

Chivas Regal has also introduced a cocktail recipe tied to the campaign. The Leclerc Spritz combines 30ml of Chivas Regal 18 with 30ml elderflower syrup, 20ml lime juice, and 60ml sparkling wine or champagne. Served in a stemmed glass with a mint sprig garnish, the drink offers an alternative to traditional spritz variations.

The partnership between Leclerc and Chivas Regal will continue developing throughout the year. Future initiatives will explore themes of personal passion, creativity, and authenticity. The brand positions these values as central to both the racing driver's public profile and the whisky's heritage.

Leclerc has also shared content related to his interest in chess, another pursuit that requires strategic thinking and patience. These glimpses into his life outside racing form part of the broader storytelling approach Chivas Regal has adopted for this collaboration.

The whisky brand emphasizes responsible consumption in all its communications. The campaign materials remind audiences not to drink and drive.

Additional visual content and campaign materials are available through Chivas Regal's official Instagram account and website. The brand maintains an active presence on social platforms where followers receive updates on product releases and partnership activities.