Yuki being so open about how Checo has always been an incredible supporter, mentor, even a type of dad for him… I think that’s so beautiful and I’m glad people are talking about it because Checo deserves his flowers for how much he cares about young drivers on the grid (especially Drivers of Color)
The first example nobody talks enough about is how much Checo was one of the few drivers who was vocally supportive and openly kind to Max Verstappen when he first came onto the grid, even stating that he felt sympathetic to him because Checo also used to be very young racing against much older drivers. He saw a child that was already being heavily criticized and said he deserved a chance and even later said Max would change history with his talent, years before they would ever become teammates.
Checo was the one who intentionally supported Yuki from the beginning of his career to advise and encourage him. He resonated with him because he also knew what it was to be a noneuropean POC who moved away from home at a young age trying to navigate the sport knowing very little english. Noel León says he’s in regular contact with Checo who advises him on every track and encourages him to stay in europe and persevere. Checo was the one who scouted Isack Hadjar and intentionally pointed him out to Helmut Marko to be picked for the Redbull Junior Program. Franco Colapinto talked about the immediate warmth and support he received from Checo and what an honor it was to race against him and how he inspired so many latam growing up.
Checo cares so deeply I love him so much
