Charles Leclerc remembers late godfather Jules Bianchi ten years after tragic Japanese GP crash

Charles Leclerc expressed his love for the late Jules Bianchi on the 10th anniversary of the Frenchman's death.


Charles Leclerc remembers late godfather Jules Bianchi ten years after tragic Japanese GP crash

Charles Leclerc and Jules Bianchi ( images via IMAGO/ Instagram @philippe_bianchi17

Jules Bianchi‘s crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka marked a tragic moment in Formula 1. On October 5, 2014, Bianchi lost control of his Marussia car in a rain-soaked race. He passed away after spending nearly nine months in a coma.

On the 10th anniversary of his crash, many drivers, including Charles Leclerc, expressed their condolences and remembered the late Jules Bianchi. The pair shared a strong bond as they both hailed from Monaco and were part of Ferrari’s driver academy.

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Bianchi mentored the 26-year-old, offering guidance and support during the early stages of his racing career. After his tragic accident in 2014, the Monagasque frequently expressed his admiration for him and honored his memory. He emphasized the impact of his Little Prince, on his life and career.

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Philippe Bianchi, Jules Bianchi’s father, posted a picture of his son on the 10th anniversary of the incident, accompanied by the caption “no comment.” This simple message highlighted how deeply he still misses his son and the pain he continues to feel from the loss.

Leclerc shared that post on his Instagram story, adding a heart emoji to honor his close friend while remembering their days together in the academy.

Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (image via Instagram @charles_leclerc)

Charles Leclerc reveals his pre-race rituals

While every driver has a unique way of preparing for a race, Charles Leclerc’s approach stands out. In an interview earlier this year, he revealed that he usually takes at least a 40-minute nap before engaging in what he and Ferrari call the “walk and talk,” where they discuss strategies and preparations for the race.

Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Yeah I always have like a 40-minute nap before doing the walk and talk as we call it in Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc told SkySportsF1

In another interview with Rolling Stone, Leclerc said that he started listening to music as part of his pre-race rituals. The 26-year-old believes this practice helps him relax and get into a winning mindset.

Leclerc has secured two major wins this season and has shown strong form. With six races remaining, the Monegasque driver finds himself third in the drivers’ standings. Fans hope he will give Max Verstappen and Lando Norris a strong fight for the world title.