On Nov. 3, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc and his wife, Alexandra, welcomed their baby girl into the world. The couple announced the news on Nov. 4, along with their daughter’s name, and the meaning behind the name is seriously sweet. Charles and Alexandra Leclerc named their daughter Bianca Leclerc.
The couple, who tied the knot in Leclerc’s home country of Monaco earlier this year, never officially announced that they were expecting, but they didn’t hide it, either. Alexandra Leclerc always turned a grid walk into a catwalk with an impeccable sense of style, and she never missed an opportunity to show off her ever-growing baby bump. Her husband expressed his excitement publicly, too, including with a joke about his “first practice with the stroller” in his birthday photo dump on Oct. 19.
Fans were eagerly awaiting the news of Bianca Leclerc’s arrival after interviews with her dad suggested she’d be here any day now. During media day at the United States Grand Prix on Oct. 22, journalists asked Leclerc about potentially missing some of the then-remaining six races of the season. The Scuderia Ferrari driver assured the media that he would not be missing any races, but said: “Obviously I’ll do absolutely everything to be home as much as possible in between those races.” Leclerc is expected to race in the Brazilian Grand Prix this Sunday, Nov 8, but he’ll be soaking up every second with his newborn baby girl beforehand.
Now that Charles and Alexandra Leclerc’s daughter is here, let’s talk about her name. The name Bianca is beautiful all on its own, but there’s a special meaning hidden beneath it for the newest Leclerc. In 2014, French Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi passed away due to injuries he sustained in a horrible crash at the Japanese Grand Prix that year. It is because of this tragedy that the FIA (International Automobile Federation) pushed for a cockpit protection device called the halo, which was designed to protect drivers from suffering significant head trauma. His death, while utterly heartbreaking, led to technical and written revolutions that have saved the lives of many drivers since. Bianchi’s legacy lives on in the very structure of Formula 1 cars, the calls for virtual safety cars, and the guidelines that govern the sport.
But Bianchi’s legacy didn’t just lead to crucial changes that improved driver safety. It also rests with his godson, Charles Leclerc, whom he championed. Leclerc often cites his godfather as one of his primary influences when it came to racing. It was Bianchi’s guidance and example that inspired Leclerc to be the driver he is today. The Ferrari driver has honored his godfather many times throughout his career by wearing tribute helmets and participating in philanthropic events for the Jules Bianchi Foundation.
Despite all he has done to remember Bianchi, Leclerc naming his daughter after one of his biggest inspirations has to be the sweetest way to honor him.