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
Charles Leclerc believes Formula 1's new-era machinery has forced him to rethink one of the…
Formula 1's teams and drivers regroup this weekend surrounded by the majesty of the Ardennes…
Max Verstappen has once again refused to reveal his hand on his Formula 1 future,…
Aston Martin is facing a race against time at Spa-Francorchamps, with the team's ambitious push…
Red Bull has opted for caution over innovation ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix…
Max Verstappen has made a significant move away from the Formula 1 cockpit by welcoming…