Countless tributes in memory of Jules Bianchi
After the announcement of Jules Bianchi's death, many figures in the motorsport world expressed their grief at losing, at 25, one of Formula 1's greatest hopefuls.
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion, Alain Prost was aware of Jules Bianchi’s talent: « It’s a great emotion, a great sadness for the family and friends first and foremost. Even though this news is not really surprising and the damage was done during the Japanese Grand Prix. That’s where it all happened. We knew the outcome was unfortunately likely to be negative. It hurts a lot. 25 years old… I have a son the same age, we can all imagine what it feels like. He had quite a clear path. He was certainly one of the drivers most likely to join a big team, perhaps Ferrari. He was a real fighter. I went cycling with him a fortnight before his accident, with Jean-Eric Vergne, and I could see how competitive he was. It was a very brutal end to his life and career. »
Jean-Éric Vergne paid tribute to Jules Bianchi on his Twitter account: « I have no words. I will miss you my old friend. »
Translate: Only French driver to be present on the Formula 1 grids, Romain Grosjean also reacted on Twitter: « We lost one of the best guys and one of the best drivers I have ever met. I will miss you so much my friend… »
His former teammate at Marussia, Max Chilton, was also devastated: « There are no words to describe what his family and the sport have lost. All I can say is that it was a pleasure to know you and to race against you. »
No words can describe what his family & the sport have lost. All I can say it was a pleasure knowing & racing you.
— M A X Chilton (@maxchilton) 18 July 2015
John Booth managed Jules Bianchi within the Marussia F1 Team. The Nice native brought the team’s only two points so far, at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix: « Words cannot describe the enormous sadness that shakes our team this morning, as we learned that we lost Jules. He left an indelible mark on our lives and will always be part of everything we have achieved and everything we will try to achieve. Jules was a brilliant talent, destined to do great things in our sport and to know the success he greatly deserved. He was also a wonderful person and made a strong impression on many people around the world. They recognized, like us, that in addition to being a motivated and proud driver, he was also a very warm, humble, and kind person who illuminated our garage and our lives. (…) We knew we had a very special driver with us from the first time he drove one of our cars during winter testing in 2013. It was an honor to have him as a race driver, as a member of our team, and of course our friend. »
Jules Bianchi belonged to the Ferrari Driver Academy. The Scuderia was considering placing him at Sauber in 2015. « Forever in the hearts of Ferrari. Ciao Jules. » reads the tweet from the team’s Twitter account.
Nicolas Deschaux, President of the French Federation of Motor Sports, praised Jules Bianchi’s talent: « In daily life, he embodied joy, simplicity, and true kindness. But as soon as he set foot on a circuit, he transformed into a formidable fighter, relentless and capable of unimaginable self-surpassing. He embodied the values that the FFSA taught him during the many training sessions and events he participated in alongside us. Jules came from an extraordinary family of competitors through Lucien, his uncle, and Mauro, his grandfather. Alongside Romain Grosjean, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Charles Pic, he also helped France reclaim its position in Formula 1. The Special Prize we awarded him at the end of 2013, following his remarkable first season in Formula 1, was much more than a symbol. Jules was raw talent and was on the verge of joining the most prestigious Formula 1 teams. Jules leaves an immense void behind him… ».
On BFM TV, Jean Alesi reacted: « It’s news that we can’t accept. He fought until the end. We believed in him. We believed a miracle could happen. He was an endearing boy, very straightforward both on and off the track. He was very loved. It was a shock for everyone. It’s the first time in 21 years that a Formula 1 driver has been killed. There has been a lot of work on safety on the circuits and cars, so we couldn’t imagine this happening anymore. »
Jules Bianchi trained in the youth categories of Renault Sport. The French manufacturer recalls his brilliant career: « It is with infinite sadness that the World Series by Renault family and Renault Sport Technologies learned this morning of the death of Jules Bianchi, aged 25. Heir to a long family tradition of motorsport, Jules competed in several seasons of single-seaters. His debut took place in the French Formula Renault 2.0 Championship, where he immediately showcased his talent. Jules then debuted in a Formula Renault 3.5 during the Monaco round, before contending for the title in 2012. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Jules joined the Marussia F1 Team in 2013, a team for which he would score the first points in Monaco in 2014. Victim of an accident at the last Japanese Grand Prix, Jules Bianchi leaves behind his kindness, discretion, and unique talent. The entire Renault Sport family shares in the grief of Jules Bianchi’s family and loved ones through this terrible ordeal. »
ART Grand Prix, oversaw Jules Bianchi in GP2 and F3. The French team pays tribute to him with these words: « There are no words to describe what we are feeling today. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Jules will always be a part of our team. »
Luc Alphand, winner of the Dakar in 2006, emphasizes on RMC the responsibility and danger that weigh on every Formula 1 driver: « It’s a lot of emotion for French sports in general. F1 is a risky sport. F1 drivers are our spearheads. They are the fastest, the bravest. When fate strikes like this, it’s truly terrible. I would like to send a message to his family. Jules’ fight was very long, it was a terrible ordeal for his family. We are with them, we try to support them. »
Jean-Louis Moncet, the Canal+ consultant, had learned the news last night: « When the phone rang last night around 11:30 PM and I saw who was calling, « Nico Todt », I understood even before answering. » he confides on his blog. « Jules exuded wisdom, honesty, and determination. That’s how I want to remember him… »
Patrick Tambay, former McLaren driver and consultant for RMC, recalls the childhood of the French prodigy: I knew Jules well. He is almost the same age as my son Adrien, and I saw them take their first spins together in Brignoles, in karting races, then in Italy and in Formula 3, where they were teammates. I saw him grow up. He was someone with a winner’s temperament. He had the spirit and mentality of a true racing driver. Jules Bianchi was a great hope for French motorsport. It’s a great waste. Formula 1 loses a great talent.
Bruno Senna, whose uncle was the last driver to have died as a result of an accident during a race weekend, reminds us that we must never forget the lessons from this terrible tragedy: « My thoughts are with Jules’ family. I hope the lessons we have learned from his accident will help prevent such tragedies. RIP. »
The President of the Republic, François Hollande, also spoke. “It is with great emotion that I learned of the passing of Jules Bianchi. After a terrible accident in Japan and despite nine months of a fierce battle, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones last night at the age of 25. French motorsport loses with him one of its greatest hopes. My thoughts are with his parents, family, and friends. I extend to them my sincerest condolences,” he announced in a statement.
Finally, the FIA has published a statement on its website: « The motorsport world is in mourning today. With the passing of Jules Bianchi, it loses one of the most talented drivers of his generation from a family that has left its mark on the history of this discipline.
Jules Bianchi was a personality appreciated by everyone in the F1 world for his human and sporting qualities. The FIA salutes the courage with which he led his final battle, supported by his family and loved ones.
Jean Todt, President of the FIA, expresses his immense emotion and shares the pain of Jules’s family. He is, along with the entire motorsport community, by their side in this terrible ordeal.
