Charles Leclerc isn't just fast in a Ferrari; he's pretty quick in a kart too. The Ferrari driver recently participated in a grueling 42-hour karting marathon, held in memory of his late friend and mentor, Jules Bianchi.
The event took place at the Paul Ricard circuit and was organized by the Bianchi Foundation and Sodi Kart for the second consecutive year. For Leclerc, this was far more than just a race—it was a heartfelt tribute to a man who shaped his career and introduced him to Ferrari.
Jules Bianchi, a name once touted as Formula 1's next big star, saw his career tragically cut short following a fatal accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. He was a rising talent, and his connection with Leclerc was not just professional but personal. Bianchi had taken Leclerc under his wing, introducing him to the Ferrari family and guiding him through the early stages of his racing journey.
Leclerc was deeply motivated to honor his late friend at the event. The karting marathon featured a relay format, with teams ranging from 5 to 20 drivers. It kicked off on Friday evening, September 6, and concluded on the afternoon of Sunday, September 8.
The race drew a mixed crowd of sports personalities and entertainment figures, making it a unique event in the racing calendar. Leclerc was part of two teams—one with professional drivers, and another with his less-experienced friends.
In his own words, Leclerc said :
“I’ll be in two teams, one with professional drivers, where we’ll be disqualified in the end, and another with my friends, who are a bit less talented behind the wheel of a kart, and I’ll try to help them, at least to get into the top 5, we’ll give it our all.”
But don't let the friendly banter fool you—Leclerc was in full competitor mode. When asked if he would cut any slack for the other drivers, the Monégasque driver made it crystal clear:
“No, never, I’m a competitor and it’s very difficult for me to pretend to lose, even in a race like this, we’ll give it our all to get a good result, I won’t make any concessions.”
The event was co-organized by Jules’ father, Philippe Bianchi, and former driver Franck Lagorce. Philippe Bianchi expressed his gratitude for the turnout, saying:
“It’s exceptional, this year we have 32 teams at the start, making 400 drivers, including several VIPs who told us it was an honor for them to be there for Jules. This shows how much he left a mark on people.”
Leclerc’s participation in the event came just a week after his triumph at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He made a special effort to attend, flying in to honor Bianchi, who had played such a significant role in his life and career.
Their bond transcended racing. After winning the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year, Leclerc gave his race helmet to Jules Bianchi’s father, a gesture that moved the Bianchi family deeply.
The karting marathon was not just about competition—it was a way to keep Bianchi's legacy alive and to celebrate the impact he had on those around him, particularly Leclerc, who continues to carry the torch in his own Formula 1 career.
Local News
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