{"id":1881800,"date":"2026-04-14T11:14:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T08:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881800"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:14:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T08:14:00","slug":"jules-bianchi-memories-the-best-i-have-in-motorsport-says-charles-leclerc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1881800","title":{"rendered":"Jules Bianchi memories &#8216;the best I have in motorsport&#8217;, says Charles Leclerc"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Jules Bianchi memories &#8216;the best I have in motorsport&#8217;, says Charles Leclerc<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc remembers Jules Bianchi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-14T12:14:00+01:00\">14 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jules Bianchi<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc has described memories with the late Jules Bianchi as his &#8220;best&#8221; in motorsport, hailing the former Marussia driver as a key factor in his development.<\/p>\n<p>The Japanese Grand Prix in 2014 is one of few recent dark days in Formula 1 history, with Bianchi suffering ultimately life-ending injuries on lap 43 in the pouring rain at Suzuka.<\/p>\n<p>For Leclerc, this loss hit particularly hard, with Bianchi his godfather, and the pair having spent much time together during his formative years. It was the strength of this relationship, however, that prevented the Ferrari driver from calling time on his fledgling career after that weekend.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was incredibly difficult, but the thought of not continuing never once entered my mind, because this is what brings me to life, what truly ignites my passion,&#8221; Leclerc told <em>The BSMT by Gianluca Gazzoli <\/em>podcast.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the thing I love most in the world, but this moment was definitely really hard to accept. I was in a race when it happened. I didn&#8217;t really understand everything that had happened. Even my father tried not to tell me the whole truth, because I was about to get into a car for my race. Therefore, I didn&#8217;t know all the details of what had happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Afterwards, he explained everything to me, and that came as a huge shock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Bianchi was the first driver signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy when it launched in 2009, and was heavily tipped to move from Marussia to Ferrari ahead of his death.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-11a912d995edc3cdf8a1bdad56dc47cca0f3f46cd137e447ee5a036543b0357e\">  Ferrari takes advantage of unplanned F1 break with key tests   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc was ultimately able to follow this path, and has since secured eight grand prix victories with the Scuderia. In 2024, after securing his first victory on home soil at the Monaco Grand Prix, he dedicated the victory to Bianchi.<\/p>\n<p>Reflecting further on his early experiences with Bianchi, Leclerc added: &#8220;I was 17. He was my sporting godfather. He had always been there from the beginning. I have some videos of the two of us at home, where he would take a kart; Jules would bring a smaller kart to race with me, who was 6-7-8 years younger than him. These are the best memories I have in motorsport.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Every Wednesday after the race, we would go and race together, and it was also a time for me where I learned a lot, because I was racing with people older than me, and especially with Jules, who was an absolutely extraordinary driver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-79c0bd1f4f26f2a66e57d2b3a45f9025ac3d02fdc183404d0e1c2891a1a4caa3\">  Costly George Russell \u201cbug\u201d exposes true complexity of new F1 engines   Antonelli scores historic F1 Japanese GP win after safety car boost <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;All of these moments were incredibly special, and that&#8217;s what made happy. Therefore, there was never a doubt about continuing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Charles Leclerc<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jules Bianchi<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Mercedes move &#8220;the perfect opportunity&#8221; for Verstappen after losing key Red Bull ally<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404324_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-bb1bd7709499d9f60538dfada4a31d7fec240d43e8a9987caca209ae1d2bcdaf\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-7968821596c5df890b7f02c5c427e7d24f4a3512aa3afda06ae6047a1315117f\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why drivers fear post-Japan crunch FIA meetings on F1 rule changes won&#8217;t work<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774691568\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403959_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Leclerc\u2019s latest foul-mouthed F1 qualifying rant over Ferrari radio<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774691472\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403788_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Leclerc qualified on the second row at Suzuka\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli beats Russell to pole as Verstappen suffers Suzuka shocker<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774681670\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404056_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli celebrates his second F1 career pole position in Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Everything John Elkann said about Ferrari in rare open letter<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774604761\"> 27\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1265986_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ferrari chairman John Elkann \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton pinpoints where Ferrari is \u201cjust not quick enough\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774603102\"> 27\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403557_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ferrari finished fifth and sixth in both practice sessions\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Piastri heads Mercedes as issues hit Norris in Japan practice<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774594927\"> 27\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403112_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Piastri topped the times in second practice \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc remembers Jules Bianchi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc has described memories with the late Jules Bianchi as his &#8220;best&#8221; in motorsport, hailing the former Marussia driver as a key factor in his development.<\/p>\n<p>The Japanese Grand Prix in 2014 is one of few recent dark days in Formula 1 history, with Bianchi suffering ultimately life-ending injuries on lap 43 in the pouring rain at Suzuka.<\/p>\n<p>For Leclerc, this loss hit particularly hard, with Bianchi his godfather, and the pair having spent much time together during his formative years. It was the strength of this relationship, however, that prevented the Ferrari driver from calling time on his fledgling career after that weekend.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was incredibly difficult, but the thought of not continuing never once entered my mind, because this is what brings me to life, what truly ignites my passion,&#8221; Leclerc told <em>The BSMT by Gianluca Gazzoli <\/em>podcast.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the thing I love most in the world, but this moment was definitely really hard to accept. I was in a race when it happened. I didn&#8217;t really understand everything that had happened. Even my father tried not to tell me the whole truth, because I was about to get into a car for my race. Therefore, I didn&#8217;t know all the details of what had happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Afterwards, he explained everything to me, and that came as a huge shock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Bianchi was the first driver signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy when it launched in 2009, and was heavily tipped to move from Marussia to Ferrari ahead of his death.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-11a912d995edc3cdf8a1bdad56dc47cca0f3f46cd137e447ee5a036543b0357e\">  Ferrari takes advantage of unplanned F1 break with key tests   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc was ultimately able to follow this path, and has since secured eight grand prix victories with the Scuderia. In 2024, after securing his first victory on home soil at the Monaco Grand Prix, he dedicated the victory to Bianchi.<\/p>\n<p>Reflecting further on his early experiences with Bianchi, Leclerc added: &#8220;I was 17. He was my sporting godfather. He had always been there from the beginning. I have some videos of the two of us at home, where he would take a kart; Jules would bring a smaller kart to race with me, who was 6-7-8 years younger than him. These are the best memories I have in motorsport.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Every Wednesday after the race, we would go and race together, and it was also a time for me where I learned a lot, because I was racing with people older than me, and especially with Jules, who was an absolutely extraordinary driver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-79c0bd1f4f26f2a66e57d2b3a45f9025ac3d02fdc183404d0e1c2891a1a4caa3\">  Costly George Russell \u201cbug\u201d exposes true complexity of new F1 engines   Antonelli scores historic F1 Japanese GP win after safety car boost <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;All of these moments were incredibly special, and that&#8217;s what made happy. Therefore, there was never a doubt about continuing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc has described memories with the late Jules Bianchi as his &#8220;best&#8221; in motorsport, hailing the former Marussia driver as a key factor in his development.<\/p>\n<p>The Japanese Grand Prix in 2014 is one of few recent dark days in Formula 1 history, with Bianchi suffering ultimately life-ending injuries on lap 43 in the pouring rain at Suzuka.<\/p>\n<p>For Leclerc, this loss hit particularly hard, with Bianchi his godfather, and the pair having spent much time together during his formative years. It was the strength of this relationship, however, that prevented the Ferrari driver from calling time on his fledgling career after that weekend.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was incredibly difficult, but the thought of not continuing never once entered my mind, because this is what brings me to life, what truly ignites my passion,&#8221; Leclerc told <em>The BSMT by Gianluca Gazzoli <\/em>podcast.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the thing I love most in the world, but this moment was definitely really hard to accept. I was in a race when it happened. I didn&#8217;t really understand everything that had happened. Even my father tried not to tell me the whole truth, because I was about to get into a car for my race. Therefore, I didn&#8217;t know all the details of what had happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Afterwards, he explained everything to me, and that came as a huge shock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Bianchi was the first driver signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy when it launched in 2009, and was heavily tipped to move from Marussia to Ferrari ahead of his death.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-11a912d995edc3cdf8a1bdad56dc47cca0f3f46cd137e447ee5a036543b0357e\">  Ferrari takes advantage of unplanned F1 break with key tests   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc was ultimately able to follow this path, and has since secured eight grand prix victories with the Scuderia. In 2024, after securing his first victory on home soil at the Monaco Grand Prix, he dedicated the victory to Bianchi.<\/p>\n<p>Reflecting further on his early experiences with Bianchi, Leclerc added: &#8220;I was 17. He was my sporting godfather. He had always been there from the beginning. I have some videos of the two of us at home, where he would take a kart; Jules would bring a smaller kart to race with me, who was 6-7-8 years younger than him. These are the best memories I have in motorsport.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Every Wednesday after the race, we would go and race together, and it was also a time for me where I learned a lot, because I was racing with people older than me, and especially with Jules, who was an absolutely extraordinary driver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-79c0bd1f4f26f2a66e57d2b3a45f9025ac3d02fdc183404d0e1c2891a1a4caa3\">  Costly George Russell \u201cbug\u201d exposes true complexity of new F1 engines   Antonelli scores historic F1 Japanese GP win after safety car boost <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;All of these moments were incredibly special, and that&#8217;s what made happy. Therefore, there was never a doubt about continuing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092993\/1\/jules-bianchi-memories-best-i-have-motorsport-says-charles-leclerc&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-01\/xpb_697966_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Jules Bianchi memories &#8216;the best I have in motorsport&#8217;, says Charles Leclerc Charles Leclerc remembers Jules Bianchi. Sam Hall 14 Apr 2026 Share Jules Bianchi \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Charles Leclerc has described memories with the late Jules Bianchi as his &#8220;best&#8221; in motorsport, hailing the former Marussia driver [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1881800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1881800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1881800\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1881800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1881800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1881800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}