Jules Bianchi passed away on July 17th, 2015, following a crash during the 2014 Japan Grand Prix. The driving incident is still under investigation. He was 25 years old and his death has sparked international conversations about safety in Formula One racing.
As the investigation into the Jules Bianchi crash continues, new details and theories have come out. Bianchi was not just a driver, but he also led a group of people who were devote to his goal. On the day of his death, those closest to him shed light on the kind of person he died.
Bianchi’s childhood friend Albert Acosta has spoken about what it was like growing up with Bianchi. Acosta recalls Bianchi as a person who was always smiling and that’s the person he knows. “Jules was the kind of guy who never had any problems,” Acosta said. “It’s hard, because it’s like you lost a part of yourself, you know. Acosta also said that Bianchi was looking forward to spending time with his family after the race in Japan. “He just wanted to go back [to France] and be with his parents,” Acosta said.
Albert Acosta, Jules Bianchi
Bianchi’s father Philippe recalled that his son had met with a doctor the week before during the pre-race event. Bianchi had been working on himself and Philippe thought it was a big step for him to take. “Because he was pushing,” Philippe said. After his son’s accident, opinions and investigations have been split on what actually caused Bianchi’s accident.
Bianchi was hit by a large piece of concrete from the Marussia F1 car. Bianchi’s father said that it looked like a winglet from the front part of the car had fallen on top of his son and fractured his skull.
(Source: Autosport)
Questions have been raised as to why Bianchi survived while many others have not. Bianchi’s crash happened on a part of the track where the FIA had introduced an extra two meters at the sides. However, in October 2014, a letter that was revealed suggests that it “could be said with a high degree of probability that the removal of the additional T-wing [the piece of carbon fibre] would not have resulted in [Bianchi’s] injuries”, according to Dr Gary Hartstein, who was F1’s former chief medical officer.
Dr Hartstein, who was Bianchi’s doctor after his accident, also explained that the FIA considered installing the T-wing back in the days immediately following Bianchi’s death. Bianchi’s father has also not ruled out that his son had a brain hemorrhage or bleed over three or four days before he died.
New evidence has also come to light as to just how badly Bianchi was hurt in the crash. One of his vertebrae was completely dislodged and broken. “After the accident, at the hospital we decided we should open him up,” Dr Hartstein said. “We found that part of one of his ribs had penetrated his spinal column.” Bianchi’s father insists that it’s not clear whether this injury would have been fatal, though.
‘Justice for Jules’: the protest of the Bianchi family in Paris
(Source: CNN)
Jules Bianchi’s crash death has left many unanswered questions. His father wants to save other lives and prevent further accidents; therefore, he has initiated legal action against the FIA. “We believe that someone must be accountable,” Philippe said, who is suing the FIA over its safety recommendations in a French court. The French prosecuting authority has also launched an investigation into Bianchi’s crash.
The accident has also brought up a couple of other issues. F1 is facing a new investigation into the possible violations of the rules regarding a Ferrari-Toro Rosso car. The FIA’s report on Ferrari’s car claimed discrepancies with its rear wing and tire pressures.
Both teams have been banned from racing in the race at Suzuka for the last race and are being investigated for possible infringements under Article 20.2 of the Formula One Technical Regulations. Bianchi’s death has led to some thinking that the FIA’s decisions regarding the team have been questionable, but it has said that the investigation is “routine technical checks.”
Death News Of Jules Bianchi
The FIA will also look into the design of other parts of F1 cars, following Bianchi’s death, including “the use of tethers on suspension elements” as well as “the use of an increasing gap between mainplane and rear wing element.” At least one team has asked for clarification on these issues.
The Italian senator who had introduced the law that led to Bianchi’s funeral procession in his hometown Corse-du-Sud and a commemorative plaque dedicated to him in his honor, said: “The fact that Jules Bianchi crashed was in the hospital for such a long time is proof he did not come out of that accident alive. It’s been two years and we still don’t know what caused the accident,” said Senator Angelo Cera, who represents Ms. Bianchi’s family. “They should at least give an explanation to the family.
Bianchi’s funeral procession:
Bianchi’s funeral procession and the law that led to it were made possible because of Bernie Ecclestone’s influence. Vladimir Putin also attended the funeral, where he met Jules’ parents and spoke about Bianchi’s death:
“The death of Jules Bianchi is a tragedy for Formula One, for F1 fans, and for all those who love motorsport,” he said. “Jules showed great courage in his life and, sadly, in his last lap too. I hope that your son will serve as an example of a driver who fought to the end and never gave up, demonstrating true sporting spirit.”
Bianchi’s father also believes that his son would likely have been champion in 2015, had he survived his crash. The Frenchman was well on course for success before his crash; he had scored 19 points in the first four races of 2015 and was fifth in the drivers’ championship with a total of 27 points.
CONCLUSION
While Bianchi’s death was a tragedy that has shaken all those who have followed him, the F1 community also seems to rediscover itself, following his accident. “We need to come together as a family and make sure this never happens again,” Bianchi’s father said. “Safety is what we need now.”
During the races themselves, motorsport has lost one of its most courageous and exciting drivers.
