Ferrari debutant Charles Leclerc says he retains the lessons he was taught by Jules Bianchi as he targets a career in F1.<\/p>\n
Leclerc made his F1 debut for Haas during FP1 at the British Grand Prix before getting his first taste of Ferrari machinery on Tuesday during the in-season test. Leclerc was close to Bianchi – who died last year following a crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix – and says he is trying to use the experience passed on by the Frenchman to help him impress.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew him from when I was really, really young,” Leclerc said.\u00a0\u201cHe was my godfather and he helped me with most of things in racing.\u00a0Obviously now it\u2019s hard without him because he always helped me, and I miss his help.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe advised me really well in the past, and all his comments he gave me in the past I keep them in mind and try not to make the errors he told me not to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leclerc admitted his first day in the Ferrari was “special”, despite having already driven an F1 car on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it\u2019s special, and I\u2019m only 18, so it\u2019s even more special.\u00a0When I was six years old I was always looking at the red car on the track, so it\u2019s unbelievable to be here, and I\u2019m really thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n
And the GP3 championship leader says it has been good experience for him to be able to carry out contrasting programs for Haas and Ferrari.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s two different things.\u00a0In FP1 that was mostly for the team because they had a weekend after and I had to work for them and do as many kilometres for them as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was a long day so we could plan it a bit better, but both have been amazing.\u00a0It\u2019s still be good to get experience in two different Formula 1 cars. The more cars I try, the different ways I see of working, the more experience I get.\u00a0It\u2019s always good to try some things.\u201d<\/p>\n
REPORT: Alonso tops opening day of rain-hit Silverstone test<\/p>\n
TIMES AND AS IT HAPPENED: Silverstone in-season\u00a0test – Day 1<\/p>\n
Silbermann says … Radio Ga Ga<\/p>\n
2016 British Grand Prix – Driver ratings<\/p>\n