In an unique interview with the Italian web site Formula1.it, Francesco Cigarini shared his perspective on how Charles Leclerc inherited the legacy of Jules Bianchi.
The reminiscence of Cigarini
These are the phrases of the previous Ferrari mechatronics specialist: “Charles [Leclerc] is an unimaginable expertise, really excellent. I met him when he was very younger, and I instantly felt a reference to him. He jogged my memory of what we had misplaced with Jules Bianchi [the Ferrari Driver Academy driver who tragically died after an accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix]. Charles was the driving force he was meant to be.”
“Sadly, we misplaced a buddy out of the blue, a reference driver for us, after which we discovered Charles, who may reignite the hope of seeing a future world champion develop inside Ferrari.” – he identified, as reported by the Italian web site – “I can’t deny that we noticed lots of Jules in Charles: he’s additionally an explosive expertise that, over time, wanted to be guided, as a result of it’s a must to work carefully with the crew to speak what you need, to make the automobile and tyres work successfully. These are all points that you simply develop over time, via collaboration,” Francesco Cigarini concluded.
The particular bond between Leclerc and Bianchi
The connection between Charles Leclerc and Jules Bianchi was undoubtedly distinctive. For Charles, Jules was like an older brother, somebody he may depend on at any second and in any scenario.
It was additionally due to Jules Bianchi that the present Ferrari quantity 16 grew to become excited by motorsport. The friendship between their households meant that the 2 met at a really younger age, when Jules was already knowledgeable driver. It was not lengthy earlier than Charles Leclerc tried a kart for the primary time—and immediately fell in love with the game.
Wherever Jules Bianchi could also be now, there may be little doubt that he could be happy with all the pieces his “inheritor,” Charles Leclerc, has achieved for Ferrari all through his profession.
Aug 29, 2025
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