WATCH: Charles Leclerc karting in rain in memory of his friend Jules Bianchi

Star Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc recently took part in a special karting event held in memory of his late friend and fellow racer, Jules Bianchi. The Ferrari driver braved the rain on Sunday, 8th September, hitting the track at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France for the final day of the event.

The karting marathon, organized by Sodi Kart and the Bianchi Foundation, brought together sports and entertainment figures for a cause deeply personal to Leclerc. Leclerc shared a strong bond with Bianchi, who tragically passed away in 2015 following an accident during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Here is the video:

charles karting a few minutes ago in rain 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Cvh4fVPtHy

— lec♡︎ (@leclercsstreet) September 8, 2024

Honouring this friendship, Leclerc returned for the second year in a row to participate in the “Jules Bianchi” Karting Marathon. The event, a team relay with groups of 5 to 20 drivers, kicked off on Friday, September 6, and concluded on Sunday, September 8. Leclerc, fresh off his Formula 1 victory at Monza, made sure to attend the event, showing his dedication to keeping Bianchi’s memory alive through his presence on the track.

Charles Leclerc drove for two teams

Despite the significance of the event, Charles Leclerc’s competitive spirit was unyielding. In an interview with the event’s broadcaster, he made it clear that his determination to win remained intact. “I'll be in two teams,” Leclerc said. “One with professional drivers, where we'll be disqualified in the end, and another with my friends, who are a bit less talented behind the wheel of a kart, and I'll try to help them, at least to get into the top 5.”

The Ferrari driver admitted that his competitive nature doesn’t disappear just because the event is commemorative. When asked if he might take it easy or leave the door open for overtaking, Leclerc was adamant. “No, never, I'm a competitor and it's very difficult for me to pretend to lose, even in a race like this.”