Leclerc Reflects on Bianchi a Decade After His Passing
Date: July 17, 2025
Location: Maranello, Italy
On the tenth anniversary of Jules Bianchi’s death, Charles Leclerc has honored his late friend and godfather, whose legacy profoundly impacted the motorsport community. Bianchi passed away on July 17, 2015, following critical injuries sustained during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, where he crashed into a recovery vehicle amidst treacherous conditions.
Leclerc, currently a prominent driver for Ferrari, shared poignant memories of Bianchi during a recent interview. He emphasized their close personal connection, stating, "The first memories that I recall of Jules are not of Jules the driver, but rather Jules the person." This highlights the depth of their friendship, fostered through shared experiences growing up, particularly through karting sessions at a track managed by Bianchi’s father.
Reflecting on their time together, Leclerc added, "Jules was the most competitive person I’ve ever met… he would get so frustrated when he lost anything!" This competitive spirit is something Leclerc attributes to his own racing mentality.
Leclerc’s comments also extend to Bianchi’s professional capabilities. "He was an extremely talented driver who unfortunately never had the chance to be in a top team with a competitive car," Leclerc noted, reinforcing a widely held sentiment within the F1 community regarding Bianchi’s untapped potential.
In closing, Leclerc highlighted Bianchi’s character, stating, "There are some people where you can see through their eyes, through their smile, how good of a person they are – and I think Jules is one of them."
As the motorsports world commemorates Bianchi’s legacy, it is clear that his memory continues to inspire and resonate deeply within the community.
