Bianchi family keep Jules’ memory alive after tragic death
PHILIPPE BIANCHI puffs out his cheeks to steel himself but his eyes are welling up.
His son Jules died three years ago next month aged 25 from head injuries sustained in a crash at the 2014 Japan Grand Prix.
Outside of Monaco, this weekend’s French Grand Prix is the first race that Philippe has attended without his son.
He is proud to see his home race return to the calendar at Circuit Paul Ricard — just along the coast from where Jules was born in Nice — after a 10-year absence. He is regretful too. ‘It’s a beautiful thing because motorsport in France has a great history,’ says Philippe. ‘They’ve done a good job, the track is great and I’m happy about that. I wish that Jules could be here driving. It’s important we stay with Jules. It’s important that we do this here.’
‘This’ is selling T-shirts. Philippe, Jules’ mother Christine and sister Melanie are here raising money for the Jules Bianchi Association. Proceeds will help pay for a driving simulator at the Nice hospital where Jules died.
‘It will help people who have big crashes or brain injuries like Jules,’ Philippe explains.
‘After that I want to make other things. A driving school, “The Bianchi School”, for young drivers, a kart track and a museum close to here dedicated to Jules with his old cars and trophies.
‘We don’t have enough at the moment, but we’re working with partners. It will take a long time but it’s a good thing.
‘The Association is my life, my passion. It’s difficult for me to be here but unless the family does something nobody will remember Jules.’
I ask what communication he has had with the sport’s new owners Liberty Media.
‘None,’ replies Philippe. ‘The Halo [cockpit protection device] the FIA brought in this year would have changed nothing for Jules, his crash was too big.
‘So Jules’ story is not a good thing, it’s not positive. I understand. People have to make their life in F1. The crash in Japan was a horrible thing. The show must go on.’
Philippe will watch today’s race from Sauber’s motorhome, the team for whom Charles Leclerc, Jules’ godson, is performing well in his rookie season.
‘Charles began karting with me and his father is like a brother to me,’ says Philippe.
‘I’m happy because Charles speaks a lot about Jules.
‘I hope Charles gets his chance. Like Jules, he could be a world champion. I hope so. That would make me happy and it would have made Jules happy too.’