Fresh from his win at the Italian Grand Prix, Monegasque F1 driver Charles Leclerc is reveling in the glory of winning another very personal race: the Marathon du Karting Jules Bianchi.
Over the weekend, 26-year-old Leclerc took time out from his preparations for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix to take part in a karting event held in the memory of the late Jules Bianchi, Leclerc’s godfather, close friend and fellow F1 pilot.
After more than 42 hours of intense racing on Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, Leclerc and his team of childhood friends claimed the victory, beating off fierce competition from Bianchi’s namesake team.
“For me, this is an unmissable event,” Leclerc told the Monaco Matin over the weekend. “I took part in the seven editions previously organised in Brignoles with Jules. Now, it’s about honouring his memory and helping the Jules Bianchi #17 association.”
Though it was undoubtedly an emotional weekend for the Monegasque driver – he has previously cited Bianchi as one of his most important role models, professionally and personally – Leclerc clearly enjoyed his time on the track and joked about being surprised by his Team LC8’s win.
“Winning with this bunch of losers is a bit unexpected!” he quipped after the race. “We came to train for half a day last month because some of them didn’t know the track. One of them had never driven in the rain… Well done to everyone, they did really well. Hats off to the organisers!”
Bianchi died in July 2015 at the age of 25, nine months after a tragic accident during the Japanese Grand Prix. The funds raised during the Marathon du Karting Jules Bianchi will be donated to the Association Jules Bianchi, which supports victims of traumatic brain injuries and their families.
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Photo source: Charles Leclerc, Instagram