FIA President Jean Todt has confirmed Jules Bianchi’s #17 race number will be officially retired from Formula One to pay respects to the late Frenchman, who passed away last Friday.
The FIA statement reads:
“Jean Todt, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced that the car number 17 will be retired from the FIA Formula One World Championship in honour of Jules Bianchi.
“As F1 car numbers are now personally chosen by each driver, the FIA believes it to be an appropriate gesture to retire Jules Bianchi’s number 17.
“As a result, this number can no longer be used for a car competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
Prior to the 2014 season, F1 drivers were asked to pick a race number that they would then keep throughout their entire spell at the top echelon.
However, this year’s revised article 21.2 of the sporting regulations brought the following clarification: “A driver’s career in Formula 1 will be deemed to have ended if he does not participate in an Event for two entire consecutive Championship seasons.”
The latest FIA statement ensures this will not be the case for Bianchi’s #17.
F1 drivers pay tribute to Bianchi after death at 25
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Intrigue is swirling around Adrian Sutil after Grand Prix driver was arrested in Germany on…
On this day in 1975, a somber mood enveloped St Albans Abbey in Hertfordshire as…
As Abu Dhabi prepares to crown a world champion, McLaren has finally cracked the door…
Lando Norris opened the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in commanding fashion, topping the…
Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina,…
On the eve of Formula 1’s thrilling 2025 title decider in Abu Dhabi, the entire…