Charles Leclerc’s Innocent Lie to Make His Father Proud Once Got the Voice of F1 Choked Up: “I Told Him I Had…”

One thing common among Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc is the immense contribution of their fathers to make them who they are today. While Max and Lewis still have their fathers present to enjoy their success with, Charles doesn’t. Herve, Charles’ father, wasn’t even present to see the dream of his son competing in F1 turn into reality. However, Charles made sure that he had a peaceful departure, believing his son had made it.

Herve was a motorsport racer as well and used to compete in Formula 3. While he never made it to the pinnacle of motorsport, he made it his life’s mission to get his son there. Each year, on his death anniversary, Charles posts an emotional message for his father, acknowledging his importance in his life. As he was about to race in Monaco in his rookie F1 season, the Monegasque wore a helmet with the same design his father once wore.

In his interview with F1 journalist Will Buxton, Charles said, “I mean, my father has done absolutely everything for me to arrive here. Unfortunately, he’s not here anymore to see where I’ve arrived. I mean I remember last year before I actually signed for here [Alfa Romeo]. I told him I had signed in Formula 1 to make him happy. I knew the end was near. And I’m very happy to have managed to do that. Now I’m in Monaco, racing in Formula 1, and that he can see that from up there.”

Read More: Joel Embiid, Patrick Mahomes & Lewis Hamilton Forever Part of Elite FIFA Club Reserved for Legends Only

The story got Buxton choked up, but he tried carrying on with the interview and asked Leclerc his next question. As Charles was in the middle of answering, he saw Will was getting emotional. He simply put his hand over Will’s shoulder as the Briton wiped a tear from his eye.

Charles Leclerc remembered the important lessons he learned from his father

One of the most important things the Ferrari driver learned from his father was the lesson of humility. In an interview last year with Goodwood Road & Racing, he revealed how much influence his father had on him.

Leclerc told, “My father had prepared me from the beginning, telling me to stay humble. I think this was the first thing he ever told me whenever we started winning races. It was in karting, but I was seven years old, and obviously at seven years old, when you start winning, you think you are the best and he was already starting to tell me ‘Calm down, Charles’.“

Watch This Story: Who Is F1 Journalist Will Buxton’s New Wife?

With what he has gone on to achieve and what he is capable of doing, Herve must be very proud of his son today. He made him a fantastic racer and an even better human.