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Despite just being 25, Charles Leclerc has seen too many highs and lows in life. While the highs are too many, including winning races in F1 around the world, the lows have been devastating. Among them are the loss of his loved ones- Jules Bianchi (F1 driver and his godfather), Herve (his father), and Anthoine Hubert (F2 driver and a very close friend). The most painful was losing his father and what he went through after that welled the eyes of fans up.

Just as the case is with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, Charles’ father played a big role in getting him where he is today. However, when he passed away, his son was still in F2, doing his best to fulfill his father’s dream. As he was terminally ill with cancer, Charles told him that he had made it in F1 just so he could die in peace, knowing that his son had made it. As he once narrated that story to Will Buxton, even the experienced journalist couldn’t hold his tears back.

Charles Leclerc tells the story of what it was like to lose a parent

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Not many in the world can boast about reaching their ultimate life goal while still in their early 20s. Charles was just 20 when he made his rookie season in F1. However, he did not have the person around he would have liked to celebrate his success the most with- his father.

In his biography ‘Le Prodige’, he revealed, “After Jules’ death, the disappearance of my father who had always followed me was a second shock. It was tough – says the Monegasque -. There’s nothing that can prepare you for the moment you lose your father.” [Translated using Google]

“I have become more mature because the loss of him has made me more responsible, growing as a man. Mentally I became stronger than ever. Losing your father so early in life is something that changes you forever.”

Have a look at how fans reacted to the determination he has shown all these years despite the tragic loss.

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One fan lauded him for being mentally strong.

Just after a few days of losing his father, Leclerc secured the pole position in qualifying and eventually won the F2 race in Azerbaijan. That prompted another fan to commend his mental stability.

Some fans narrated their own similar stories.

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Watch This Story: Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz Achieve Rare F1 Feat With Colossal Disney Lightyear Collaboration

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The Monegasque is a great inspiration for his fans. And this is not just for the racing skills he displays on the track, but also for being a level-headed individual despite going through a lot of mental trauma.