On the 10th anniversary of Jules Bianchi’s death, Charles Leclerc shared heartfelt memories of his late godfather and close family friend. Leclerc, now a Grand Prix-winning Ferrari driver, reflected more on Bianchi as a person than just a fellow racer. Their families were very close, and Jules was like an older brother figure to Charles during his childhood. He recalled how Bianchi was a regular presence in their household, as his older brother Lorenzo was best friends with Jules.
As Leclerc grew up, the age gap between him and Bianchi became less significant, and their bond strengthened. One of his fondest early memories was pretending to be asleep so Jules could watch a horror movie with Lorenzo. He described Jules as a genuinely funny, kind-hearted, and fun-loving person. Leclerc remembered how special it felt to go karting with Jules and other skilled drivers, especially when the track was closed to the public and they had it all to themselves.
Karting sessions with Bianchi remain some of Leclerc’s most cherished experiences. He idolized Jules, who allowed him to join in despite being much younger. Leclerc vividly recalled how those carefree and thrilling times on the track helped shape his passion for racing. Even as a child, he could feel the spark of competitiveness that Bianchi carried, which left a lasting impression on him.
Leclerc also admired Bianchi’s determination and relentless drive to improve. Whether it was racing or games like squash, Jules would always push himself to become better. Charles recalled how Bianchi trained hard for months to take on professionals, embodying a perfectionist’s mentality. This trait of intense focus and never giving up, according to Leclerc, became part of his own DNA as a driver and person.
In closing, Leclerc paid tribute to Bianchi’s immense talent and humanity. He believed Bianchi could have achieved even more in Formula 1 if given the right opportunity with a top team. For Charles, Jules wasn’t just a racer — he was a deeply kind, driven person whose spirit continues to inspire him. Leclerc hopes people will remember Bianchi for both his racing skills and the warmth he brought into others’ lives.
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