“So many memories” in Japan
Fatal accident leaves Formula 1 no peace
April 6, 2024, 12:48 p.m
Whenever Formula 1 visits Japan, it’s also about Jules Bianchi. The talented driver had a serious accident during the race in Suzuka in 2014 and died nine months later. Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen & Co. remember their former companions.
Almost ten years after the last fatal accident in Formula 1, the Frenchman Jules Bianchi, who died at the time, has not been forgotten. “Of course it’s a very special place and whenever I arrive here I think of Jules,” said Ferrari star Charles Leclerc before the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday (7 a.m./Sky and in the live ticker at ntv.de) in Suzuka. Bianchi was his godfather.
On October 5, 2014, the then 25-year-old Bianchi slipped off the rain-soaked track and collided with the rear of a recovery vehicle. He suffered serious head injuries. 285 days later, after around nine months in a coma, the Frenchman died after being transported back to the hospital in his hometown of Nice.
Leclerc now remembers Bianchi with a special helmet. “And of course, as always, he is in my heart and it will be very important to do well this weekend,” said the Monegasque. Bianchi had helped Leclerc as a young racing driver to make his way towards Formula 1, something the Ferrari star hasn’t forgotten. “He changed my career significantly,” said Leclerc.
Cockpit protection Halo is also a consequence of Bianchi’s accident
They had a close relationship back then, “and our two families are still very close,” said the World Cup runner-up. “So many memories together that I will never forget. I miss you and I will do everything I can to get this helmet to the top step of the podium on Sunday.”
World champion Max Verstappen also said Bianchi was “an incredibly talented” driver: “He could have achieved an incredible amount.” At that time he was a potential candidate for a cockpit at Ferrari until the terrible accident suddenly took his life. “We learned a lot about safety back then,” said Red Bull driver Verstappen. In the aftermath of the horror crash, the Halo head protection system was introduced and other adjustments were made to the regulations.
Bianchi could have been the next big star in Formula 1, said Frenchman Pierre Gasly. Back then, he and his young colleagues looked up to Bianchi, who drove for the Marussia team, and wanted to emulate him. “It’s very, very sad to remember what happened,” said the Alpine team rider.