In an exclusive interview with the Italian website Formula1.it, Francesco Cigarini shared his perspective on how Charles Leclerc inherited the legacy of Jules Bianchi.
The memory of Cigarini
These are the words of the former Ferrari mechatronics specialist: “Charles [Leclerc] is an incredible talent, truly outstanding. I met him when he was very young, and I immediately felt a connection with him. He reminded me of what we had lost with Jules Bianchi [the Ferrari Driver Academy driver who tragically died after an accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix]. Charles was the driver he was meant to be.”
“Unfortunately, we lost a friend suddenly, a reference driver for us, and then we found Charles, who could reignite the hope of seeing a future world champion grow within Ferrari.” – he pointed out, as reported by the Italian website – “I cannot deny that we saw a lot of Jules in Charles: he is also an explosive talent that, over the years, needed to be guided, because you have to work closely with the team to communicate what you want, to make the car and tyres work effectively. These are all aspects that you develop over time, through collaboration,” Francesco Cigarini concluded.
The special bond between Leclerc and Bianchi
The relationship between Charles Leclerc and Jules Bianchi was undoubtedly unique. For Charles, Jules was like an older brother, someone he could rely on at any moment and in any situation.
It was also thanks to Jules Bianchi that the current Ferrari number 16 became interested in motorsport. The friendship between their families meant that the two met at a very young age, when Jules was already a professional driver. It was not long before Charles Leclerc tried a kart for the first time—and instantly fell in love with the sport.
Wherever Jules Bianchi may be now, there is little doubt that he would be proud of everything his “heir,” Charles Leclerc, has achieved for Ferrari throughout his career.
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