The Grand Prix Drivers Association vows ‘never to relent in improving safety’, as it pays homage to Jules Bianchi who died overnight from the severe head injuries he suffered at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old had been in a coma since hitting a tractor crane at Suzuka last October. Bianchi was quickly diagnosed with a “diffuse axonal injury” and stayed at Mie Prefectural General Medical Center until he could be repatriated to Nice in November.
The Frenchman has become the first F1 driver to succumb to wounds sustained during a race weekend since the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix claimed the lives of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.
The GPDA statement reads:
“Formula 1 has lost a great talent, a great man and a great friend today. Twenty-one years after the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, we have now lost Jules, who has died as a direct consequence of an on track accident.
“It is at times like this that we are brutally reminded of how dangerous racing still remains. Despite considerable improvements, we, the Grand Prix drivers, owe it to the racing community, to the lost ones and to Jules, his family and friends, to never relent in improving safety.
“Our sincerest condolences go out to Jules’ family and friends.”
F1 drivers pay tribute to Bianchi after death at 25
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Charles Leclerc admits that adding Adrian Newey to Ferrari’s already “incredible” team would be “amazing”,…
Carlos Sainz admits that the Volkswagen group’s success in motorsport – be it with VW,…
Daniel Ricciardo was expecting a ‘clear the air’ talk with Lance Stroll after the latter’s…
Max Verstappen says he respects Adrian Newey’s decision to part ways with Red Bull but…
We’re on the eve of another adrenaline-pumping weekend of action in Florida, with Formula 1's…
Sergio Perez believes Red Bull Racing will be in a great place despite the departure…