echo If you’re not an avid fan of Formula 1, you may not have heard of Jules Bianchi. He’s never won a Grand Prix. He doesn’t have any championship titles to his name. But ask anyone in the sport, and they’ll tell you: Jules was truly something special.
Jules was talented, kind, determined, and unfortunately gone too soon.
Upholding the Legacy
Jules Lucien Andre Bianchi was born in Nice, France on August 3rd, 1989. Like many other Formula 1 drivers, Jules came from a line of racers. His grandfather was Mauro Bianchi, a well-known GT champion, while his godfather was Jean Todt, the former team principal for Scuderia Ferrari. Racing wasn’t just a career for Jules; it was in his blood!
Jules began karting at 3-years-old, and quickly rose through the junior ranks. He raced through Formula Renault, Formula 3 and GP2 before testing for Ferrari, hinting at a potential future with the team.
His performance in the test led to him becoming the first-ever recruit of the Ferrari Driver Academy, which would soon nurture many of the Formula 1 drivers we know today! We’re talking Charles Leclerc, Zhou Guanyu, Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, Mick Schumacher and Oliver Bearman.
Jules Bianchi for the Ferrari Driver Academy
Lance Stroll, among many familiar drivers, for Ferrari Driver Academy
In 2013, Jules made his Formula 1 debut with a backmarker team; Marussia. While the team’s performance was famously underwhelming, it was nonetheless a start for Jules.
Then came the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.
Making History
Miraculously, Jules had managed to score his and Marussia’s first ever points amid the chaos of the Monaco Grand Prix. This was a perfect drive; it is incredibly difficult to finish in 9th place with one of the slowest cars on the grid. Before Monaco, the car often finished between 13th to 20th place. This wasn’t just a result for Bianchi and the team; it was a statement!
Marussia celebrating Jules Bianchi’s P9 finish in Monaco, 2014
Jules Bianchi at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix
This marked when people started to pay attention to Bianchi. The drivers admired him for his determination and skill with Ferrari even eyeing Jules for a seat in their team.
But unfortunately, fate had other plans.
The Day The Music Died
October 5th, 2014., The Japanese Grand Prix.
Picture this: it was pouring rain. Daylight was fading. It felt as though the track got darker and darker with every lap.
On lap 42, a Sauber spun out of control and crashed into a curve outside turn seven. Yellow flags were waved, and a wheel loader came out to remove the crashed car. A single lap later, Jules lost control of his car, at the very same spot the Sauber had crashed, causing him to directly collide into the wheel loader at 126km per hour.
The silence that followed was deafening; he didn’t answer his team’s radios. He couldn’t.
The Marussia car drove straight under the wheel loader
It was the darkest day Formula 1 had seen in decades. No driver has died from a track accident since Ayrton Senna, two decades before.
Jules suffered severe brain trauma, and was put in a coma which he never woke up from. For nine months, fans waited, hoping for a miracle, but it never came. On July 17th, 2015, Jules Bianchi passed away. He was only 25 years old.
Medics arrived to remove Jules from the car and send him to the hospital
Formula 1 Changes For The Better
Following Jules Bianchi’s passing, the FIA decided to implement various safety measures to prevent similar tragedies. Among these implementations include the introduction of the halo cockpit device in 2018. This change has saved many lives over the past few years, including Charles Leclerc, Romain Grosjean, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari F138 (before halo implementation)
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari SF-25 (after halo implementation)
The FIA also brought in Virtual Safety Cars to slow the field in dangerous situations (such as rain, strong wind, etc.), reducing the risk of high-speed incidents when recovery vehicles are on track. Wet-weather protocols are also stricter to ensure the track is drive-able, for both the safety of the drivers and the condition of the cars.
In a way, these safety measures are Jules’ imprint on the sport; almost as if he’s protecting the drivers every race weekend.
An F1 safety car on track, leading the drivers
A Legacy Lives On
One of the most notable ways Jules’ legacy lives on is through his godson (and as of 14th August 2025, 8-time race winner), Charles Leclerc.
From Charles’ karting years to his rise through his junior categories, Jules was there every step of the way. He mentored him, spoke of him to his manager (who then took Charles under his wing, earning him a spot in the Ferrari Driver Academy), and most importantly, saw his potential and believed in him.
“There are some people where you can see through their eyes, through their smile, how good of a person they are; and I think Jules is one of them.”
-Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (left) and Jules Bianchi (right)
Scuderia Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, winning the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc has been driving under Scuderia Ferrari for 7 years now, and everyday, he reminds himself of the dreams Jules never got to live; the life he should’ve led. He’s spoken openly about racing for Jules, especially knowing he’s with the team Jules has always dreamed of joining.
With every race pole position, every podium, every race win, Charles undoubtedly honours his godfather.
And it’s safe to say, Jules couldn’t be any prouder.
Charles Leclerc’s helmet with Jules Bianchi’s driver number, 17
Written By: Ashley Anne Danker
Edited By: Sarah
