Back in 2015, the Formula One community united together, in ways which we don't always see in this sport, to mourn and celebrate the life of beloved Marussia driver, Jules Bianchi, after his untimely passing.
Throughout his time in motorsport, Jules was regarded as an "up and coming" talent and was regularly linked with a top F1 drive at Ferrari, especially after his memorable drive at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished in 9th, scoring Marussia's first ever championship points. However, it was all the way back in the early 1990's, at his father's karting track, where Jules discovered his love for motor racing.
After graduating to single seaters in 2007, Bianchi would go onto win several championship titles including French Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula 3 Euro Series, as well as taking home several runner up trophies. The Frenchman was quickly emerging as a star of the future, even being linked with a Ferrari drive as early as 2009. In 2010, he would be signed to Ferrari as their test and reserve driver for the upcoming 2011 season, as well as taking part in the 2011 GP2 Season. For 2012, Ferrari would loan him out as a reserve driver for Force India, where he took part in nine Free Practice sessions before signing a contract with Marussia to race for them in 2013.
Jules was quick to make his mark in Formula One, regularly out-qualifying and out-racing teammate; Max Chilton throughout the whole of the 2013 season. He would go on to finish that season in 19th position, ahead of Chilton and the Caterham drivers of Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde. Marussia retained Bianchi for 2014, where he overcame many odds to score the teams first points in Monaco, in what soon became a historic moment in recent Formula One history.
Going into the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Bianchi would declare himself "ready for Ferrari," should they come calling. However, unbeknownst to everyone, during the race on 5th October, and due to heavy rainfall, Bianchi would loose control of his car, colliding with heavy machinery, which was already parked in the run off area clearing Adrian Sutil's Sauber, who had gone off in the same place just laps before. Bianchi would be taken to hospital with a severe head injury, before passing away on 17th July 2015 due to the injuries he sustained. In the aftermath of Jules' passing, the motorsport family joined together in unison, with several describing the Frenchman as "a magnificent human being" and a "shining talent." Ferrari would also confirm that Bianchi was the driver they had chosen for a future race seat at the team.
As for safety aspects in Formula One, it has improved dramatically, with the Grand Prix Drivers' Association declaring "to never relent in improving safety." Thanks to the introduction of the "halo," many a driver's life has since been saved. Whether it's F1, F2, F3 or beyond, safety is currently at it's best thanks to the safety measure brought on by Bianchi's accident.
To this day, 9 years after his death, Jules is remembered fondly by the motorsport world. On track he would race fierce, but also fair. While off track, he would be perceived as someone who wouldn't harm a fly. He had a promising life and career ahead of him that was unfairly cut short, but nearly 10 year's later, the impact he has had on Formula One is still felt, with many a new fan learning about his incredible story.
Jules Bianchi 3rd August 1989-17th July 2015 #JB17
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