Bianchi suffered a serious accident in closing laps of the wet 2014 Japanese GP, and passed away in July the following year from his injuries.
He had acted as a mentor figure for Leclerc, with the Monegasque regarding Bianchi as a “game changer” in his career. Their families were and remain close.
Although the 2014 Suzuka event was held in October rather than April, the 2024 race marks the 10th anniversary of the Frenchman’s accident.
Leclerc has based his tribute helmet on the design used by Bianchi at Marussia in 2014, and it includes the latter's number 17, which was retired from use by the FIA.
“Of course it's a very special place, and whenever I get here I have somewhere in my mind Jules,” said Leclerc when asked by Autosport about the anniversary.
“I obviously think about Jules very often, because he's been the person that helped me to get there.
“Back in 2010 already he has spoken to Nicolas [Todt], my manager, in order for me to be supported to get to F1. And he's been the game changer in my career.
“And before that, we have always been extremely, extremely close, and both of our families are still always very close.
Source: Autosport