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
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
He is the definition of never give up
— Sf23 (@Crimsonson1) February 20, 2023
i can relate to him 🥲 https://t.co/ptB0h0yfFP
— estelle (@hiddlenoodle) February 19, 2023
“Losing your father so early in life changes you forever” https://t.co/PYgtNoXNYC
— Thivagar Arun Raj 🏴 (@ThivagarArunRaj) February 19, 2023
One fan lauded him for being mentally strong.
His mental strength leaves me in awe https://t.co/QwjLPqlZvz
— Sweta (@carpediemm_18) February 19, 2023
Keep stronger @Charles_Leclerc https://t.co/vizQk8s8B6
— LissaSakura 🔰 (@LissaSakura) February 19, 2023
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.
His admirable mental strength, with which he won the race at Baku only days after he lost his father, is impressive. Charles is our driver❤️
— AngellShen1029 (@poohone) February 20, 2023
Proud to say that this guy is our driver, he deserves the world❤️
— Kevin (@kevinemofficial) February 19, 2023
Some fans narrated their own similar stories.
For this reason Charles is my favorite driver. My dad is still alive but he'll be dead sooner than later. Whether that's in 3-4 years or a matter of months. I'm still just 17 and I don't know how to deal with this but Charles is an inspiration. Fuck Cancer
— Lautaro Enjoyer 🇲🇹 (@MalteseInterfan) February 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz Achieve Rare F1 Feat With Colossal Disney Lightyear Collaboration
This is why I like Charles… He's not only a beast on the wheel, but a person who had to face the loss of his father, Jules and Antoine. Some say he is mentally weak, but I don't agree. Much respect for this guy!
— Bruno Miceli (@BrunoMiceli541) February 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.