Leclerc pays tribute to Jules Bianchi ahead of Japanese Grand Prix

Sauber rookie Charles Leclerc has admitted that his first-ever Japanese Grand Prix will be very difficult for him because of the crash that happened at the circuit that eventually took the life of his mentor and good friend Jules Bianchi.

Bianchi made a hard crash at the very wet 2014 Japan Grand Prix in a recovery car, and while he didn't die on impact, his injuries eventually cost him his life nine months after initially spinning out.

Leclerc, who was not only mentored by Bianchi as a young driver but also one of his closest friends, visited the part of Suzuka where it happened for the first time earlier this week, something which was very tough for the 20-year-old.

"It's obviously a very difficult weekend," Leclerc was quoted by Autosport.

"Jules has helped me massively to arrive here, more than only on the racing side - he was a bit like part of the family.

"I never came to Japan before, the track walk this morning was quite emotional.

"But on the other hand I really need to focus on this weekend to try to do the best job possible anyway.

"Even if it's a difficult weekend."

The Monegasque wanted to put on a special helmet this weekend to honour Bianchi, but the Formula One has a rule where you can only have one special helmet per year which differs from your regular helmet. Leclerc did that already on his home race in Monaco this year, where he honoured his father, who passed away when Leclerc was just a boy, by wearing a replica of his former Formula 3 helmet.

Therefore, Leclerc will have to wait for next season to honour the late Bianchi.