Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly Unite to Pay Tribute to Jules Bianchi 10 Years After Fatal Japanese GP Crash

Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly Unite to Pay Tribute to Jules Bianchi 10 Years After Fatal Japanese GP Crash

via Imago

The events of the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix still send chills down the spines of the F1 World. Jules Bianchi – A promising 25-year-old who was en route to be Ferrari’s next big thing suffered a major crash with a recovery vehicle at Suzuka that forced him into a coma. 9 months after being in a coma, Bianchi died of the injuries sustained in the crash. 2024 marks 10 years since the horrific incident. So, before the Japanese GP race weekend begins, Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly, and Charles Leclerc have paid homage to the late racer.

He was, of course, incredibly talented,” Verstappen said, as quoted by FIA.com, And yeah, for sure, he would have achieved incredible things in Formula 1. ……. that was, I think, a very bad day for everyone, the sport, of course.”

The Dutchman also pointed out how that unfortunate crash caused F1 to sit up and improve safety measures for drivers. “But I think we also, again, learned a lot about safety that day…….. But yeah, I do find it nice as well that he will always be remembered. There are things in his name, charities like the go-kart races his dad also still organizes to always remember his name because he definitely deserves that.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly who has experienced losing his best friend Anthoine Hubert in an F1 crash, too had some kind words for the “extremely kind” Bianchi.  I think definitely Jules will always be remembered for who he was, I think, obviously as a driver, but also just as a human being. He was extremely kind.”

Bianchi had also left his mark on the French racing scene, per Gasly. “I remember when we were in the French team, all young drivers with Antoine (Hubert), Esteban (Ocon), and many other young kids that we obviously looked up to him as the next big thing in Formula 1 because everyone, I think, agrees that he would eventually make it to Ferrari. So, yeah, it’s definitely very, very sad, you know, to remember what’s happened. And I’m glad, you know, I think he left, definitely, his mark in Formula 1 and also beyond it. And it will definitely be always remembered.”

The late Frenchman indeed made a massive impact on F1. But the man that was affected most, apart from his family, was Charles Leclerc – his Godson.

Charles Leclerc’s special Japanese GP helmet for Jules Bianchi

“Fate has made me lose my little one and him, his dad,” Jules Bianchi’s father said about his bond with Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque was Bianchi’s Godson and their fathers had an incredibly close bond. And the Ferrari racer intends to honor that bond at Suzuka.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

To mark Bianchi’s 10th death anniversary, Leclerc will reportedly don a new helmet for the Japanese GP. “This place is special and reminds me of Jules,” Leclerc told the media in Japan. I will have a special helmet in his memory for this weekend.”

 

Article continues below this ad

It is going to be an emotional race for Leclerc. But he will have the Bianchi family rooting for him, along with millions of Ferrari fans.

Related Posts

‘Wheel of Fortune’: See Ryan Seacrest React After Getting Knocked Over During Winner’s Wild Celebration (VIDEO)

‘Wheel of Fortune’: See Ryan Seacrest React After Getting Knocked Over During Winner’s Wild Celebration (VIDEO) Wheel of Fortune YouTubeSpin That WheelFor exclusive news and updates, subscribe…

‘It’s so bad’ say Wheel Of Fortune fans after ridiculous clues and contestants with annoying habits see them switch off

‘It’s so bad’ say Wheel Of Fortune fans after ridiculous clues and contestants with annoying habits see them switch off WHEEL Of Fortune fans have “switched off”…

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player Misses Big Win After Ryan Seacrest’s Sassy Comment

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player Misses Big Win After Ryan Seacrest’s Sassy Comment Wheel of Fortune YouTube Spin That WheelFor exclusive news and updates, subscribe to our Wheel of…

‘Waste of time!’ rage Wheel Of Fortune viewers as they slam Graham Norton show for ‘taking the mick’

‘Waste of time!’ rage Wheel Of Fortune viewers as they slam Graham Norton show for ‘taking the mick’ ITV viewers have slammed the new series of Wheel…

Today’s Dylan Dreyer reveals celebrity guest she was convinced would be ‘standoffish’ only to be shocked

Today’s Dylan Dreyer reveals celebrity guest she was convinced would be ‘standoffish’ only to be shocked TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer has chatted exclusively with The U.S. Sun about…

Dylan Dreyer claims Today pal Al Roker’s health troubles ‘broke her heart’ and calls him ‘bionic man’ after surgeries

Dylan Dreyer claims Today pal Al Roker’s health troubles ‘broke her heart’ and calls him ‘bionic man’ after surgeries DYLAN Dreyer has opened up about the Today…