The Ferrari driver and future of Formula 1, Charles Leclerc recently opened up about his relationship to Jules Bianchi. While driving for Ferrari can have a lot of pressure and expectations from Leclerc, he mentioned how he manages to handle it. However, there’s a tragedy that brought this wisdom and perspective to the Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc.
Charles Leclerc had his first go at karting at the age of 4. The Monegasque decided to let his father know that he was unwell and could not attend school so instead they paid a visit to Jules Bianchi’s karting course. That was when the two would officially meet. Bianchi, who was Charles’ elder brother’s best friend, would soon go on to become a mentor and a friend to Charles.
Bianchi was already a test driver for Ferrari and was driving for Force India at that time. It was not long after driving for Force India that he declared he was prepared for a Ferrari. People watching him too, praise Bianchi for his pace and control of the car. However, everything fell apart after a crash. Bianchi was caught in an accident that would in a year be the cause of his death.
Charles Leclerc gets a helping hand in F1 from Jules Bianchi
Jules Bianchi and Charles Leclerc shared a pretty close bond. With Leclerc’s skills in motorsports, Bianchi wanted the Monegasque to only go further in this career. What Jules would not see coming is Leclerc continuing to carry on his legacy in Ferrari soon.
But this close bond became something more. Bianchi soon became Charles’ godfather. Charles mentioned Jules and him being his godfather by saying,
“I think it’s clear to the eyes of everyone who knows this sport: Jules had an exceptional talent. It’s also thanks to him that I’m here today. We grew up together. He was a few years older, my older brother’s best friend. Our fathers were best friends too.”
It is believed that with this bond, Jules became Charles’ godfather. He helped the Monegaque to make it in Formula 1. After Charles’ father, Hervé, could not afford to pay for his karting, Jules went out of his way to make sure Charles had everything he might need.
As a godfather to Charles Jules Bianchi went as far as to have a talk with Nicholas Todt (son of former FIA President Jean) and made sure that Nicholas paid for everything Leclerc needed until Charles reached Formula 1 in 2018.
Ferrari ended up signing Leclerc with the longest contract alongside Sebastian Vettel. So far, Charles Leclerc has achieved 5 wins, 25 podiums, and 19 pole positions with Ferrari. He currently drives alongside Carlos Sainz and continues to drive for Ferrari. As of the 2023 season, the 25-year-old has also managed to win 3 podiums and challenge Max Verstappen.
