Jules Bianchi’s family have had a traumatic few years. Following the Marussia driver’s accident in 2014, his family did everything possible to support him in his nine month battle for his life. A report from an FIA accident panel brought more pain, blaming Bianchi himself for the accident that later claimed his life.
Now, Bianchi’s family are seeking justice for him, launching legal action against Formula 1’s governing body the FIA, Marussia, and the Formula One Group.
Bianchi’s father, Phillipe, made a statement on behalf of the family: “We seek justice for Jules, and want to establish the truth about the decisions that led to our son’s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014.
“As a family, we have so many unanswered questions and feel that Jules’ accident and death could have been avoided if a series of mistakes had not been made.”
The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix took place in extreme weather which had the field driving in heavy rain. The race had already been red flagged on lap two before the decision was made to resume the race twenty minutes later.
Adrian Sutil crashed at turn seven, where the semi-dry racing line narrowed. A recovery crane set out to recover the German’s car and, a lap later, Bianchi came off the track at the same place as Sutil. The Frenchman collided with the crane, suffering a diffuse axonal injury, and died nine months later.
An FIA accident panel investigated the crash and, in December, issued a 396 page report on their findings. Their conclusions found a series of problems, including that the Marussia’s unique design was incompatible with the FailSafe settings that could have saved Bianchi’s life.
Shockingly, they also blamed Bianchi.
“Bianchi did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control at the same point on the track as Sutil.”
Bianchi’s family do not agree with the blame and part of their aim is to clear his name, as well as to improve safety in motorsport.
Stewarts Law partner Julian Chamberlayne is representing the Bianchi family, and said: “Jules Bianchi’s death was avoidable.
The FIA Panel Inquiry Report into this accident made numerous recommendations to improve safety in Formula 1 but failed to identify where errors had been made which led to Jules’ death.
It was surprising and distressing to the Bianchi family that the FIA panel in its conclusions, whilst noting a number of contributing factors, blamed Jules.
The Bianchi family are determined that this legal process should require those involved to provide answers and to take responsibility for any failings.
This is important if current and future drivers are to have confidence that safety in the sport will be put first.
“If this had been the case in Suzuka, Jules Bianchi would most likely still be alive and competing in the sport he loved today.”
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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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