Jules Bianchi has died

The family of Jules Bianchi announced in a press release the death of the Marussia driver plunged into a coma since his terrible accident at the Japanese GP in Suzuka on October 5 when the French driver hit a crane which was intervening to evacuate Adrian Sutil's Sauber. Hopes had dwindled in recent days following the last statements of his father Philippe. He is the first pilot of F1 to lose his life following a racing accident from Ayrton Senna at the San Marino GP on May 1, 1994.

“It is with great sadness that Jules' parents, Philippe and Christine, his brother Tom and his sister Mélanie, wanted to announce that Jules died last night at the Nice University Hospital (Alpes-Maritimes), where he was admitted following his accident... Jules fought to the end, as he always did, but his battle ended. The pain we feel is immense and terrible. We would like to thank the medical staff at Nice University Hospital for their love and dedication as well as the staff at the Mie Prefecture Medical Center (Japan) who took care of Jules immediately after his accident, as well as the doctors who were involved in recent months… We ask that our privacy be respected during these difficult times,” his family said.

“We are devastated to learn of Jules’ death after such a struggle. It was a privilege to have him on our team”, commented Manor F1 Team, before speaking at greater length through the Team Principal John Booth.

Jules Bianchi competed in 34 F1 Grands Prix, all in the colors of Marussia F1 Team (now Manor). The French driver born on August 3, 1989 in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) remains the only one to have achieved a top ten for this team with his 9th place at the 2014 Monaco GP. His best result in qualifying remains a 12th position at Silverstone. at the British GP of the same year.

The Bianchi family is once again bereaved by the race. Lucien Bianchi, Jules' great-uncle, also died following an accident during testing. 24 Hours of Le Mans on March 30, 1969, where he had won the previous year in a Ford GT 40. He had also shone in Monaco by obtaining his only podium in F1 in 1968 at the wheel of a Cooper-BRM (17 starts in total) . He is the brother of Mauro Bianchi, Jules' grandfather, who was also a pilot.

Marussia F1 Team had already been affected by tragedy on July 3, 2012 with the accident of Maria de Villota during a test session. The Spaniard died a year later as a result of his injuries.

The AUTOhebdo editorial staff presents its sincere condolences to Jules' family and loved ones.