Charles Leclerc reflects on cherished memories with his late godfather Jules Bianchi. On the tenth anniversary of Jules Bianchi’s passing, Charles Leclerc reflects on their close bond.

Charles Leclerc pays tribute to godfather Jules Bianchi, recalling cherished childhood memories and emotional karting moments

Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has opened up about the deep personal bond he shared with his godfather, the late Jules Bianchi. As Formula 1 reaches a solemn milestone, July 17, 2025, marks exactly ten years since the tragic passing of Jules Bianchi, who succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Jules Bianchi, a French racing talent with enormous potential, had been in his second season in the Formula 1 World Championship with the Marussia F1 Team when his career and life were abruptly and tragically cut short. Widely regarded as one of the most promising young drivers of his generation, Bianchi was destined for a future with Scuderia Ferrari, having already been closely linked to the Italian outfit through its Driver Academy.

Beyond his on-track talent, however, Bianchi played an important and formative role in the life of Charles Leclerc. The two were connected not only by their shared passion for racing but also by family ties and a close personal friendship. Jules Bianchi had been best friends with Charles Leclerc’s older brother, Lorenzo, and had taken on the role of godfather to the Monegasque driver, long before Leclerc’s ascent to the Formula 1 grid.

While Jules Bianchi’s talent behind the wheel and the respect he commanded within the Formula 1 paddock are widely recognised, his private and more personal side has been less publicised. In a recent feature with F1.com, Charles Leclerc reflected on the memories that defined his bond with his late godfather, offering heartfelt anecdotes that highlighted Bianchi’s personality away from the racetrack.

Leclerc revealed that one of his earliest vivid memories involved watching his very first horror movie in the company of Jules Bianchi. At the time, the young Charles had pretended to be asleep so that Bianchi—who thought he was being discreet—could enjoy the film with his older brother without worrying about the young boy watching. The story, shared with warmth and a hint of humour, underlined the close and informal family-like atmosphere that surrounded them during their childhood.

The current Ferrari driver also spoke of the many ways in which Bianchi brought joy to those around him. According to Charles Leclerc, Jules Bianchi was an incredibly kind and generous person, someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and who naturally brought fun into any situation. The 27-year-old emphasised that Bianchi had a great sense of humour and a light-hearted, spontaneous side that revealed itself once people got to know him on a deeper level.

The Monegasque driver further reminisced about the early days of his own motorsport journey, recalling that Jules Bianchi had already been a central figure when he first started karting. He pointed out that some of his clearest memories came from when he was just six or seven years old—those precious years when his passion for racing began to take shape. During that time, he was allowed to join Bianchi, his brother Lorenzo, and other young drivers on rental kart tracks, despite the usual age restrictions.

Thanks to the fact that Jules Bianchi’s father was running the karting track, Charles Leclerc and his friends were granted special access that allowed them to race even when it wasn’t entirely by the book. This created unforgettable experiences that Leclerc continues to treasure to this day. He described how exciting it was to be on track with such a talented group—including Bianchi’s younger brother and many aspiring professional drivers—despite being so young himself.

The Scuderia Ferrari driver noted that these karting sessions often took place after the venue closed to the public. Once the spectators and casual visitors had left, the group would take full advantage of the empty circuit, spending countless hours pushing each other to the limit and simply having fun behind the wheel. Leclerc described those long evenings of informal, adrenaline-fueled karting as some of the most joyful and memorable experiences of his childhood.

Reflecting on these formative moments, Charles Leclerc expressed that these shared memories with Jules Bianchi remain among the most special of his life. They not only shaped his passion for motorsport but also forged a connection with Bianchi that was both personal and inspirational. The late French driver was more than just a role model; he was a constant presence in Leclerc’s early years, and his influence continues to resonate as Charles Leclerc carries the Ferrari legacy forward on the global Formula 1 stage.

As the sport pauses to remember Jules Bianchi on the tenth anniversary of his death, Charles Leclerc’s touching tribute serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the helmets—stories of friendship, mentorship, and enduring memory that transcend the world of racing.