"Many memories"

“Many memories that I will never forget”

Jules Bianchi died in 2015 from the late effects of his accident in Suzuka.

(Bild: AFP, aP)

Ten years ago, Formula 1 was in shock after Jules Bianchi's devastating crash in Suzuka. Now the sad thoughts are coming back - especially for Charles Leclerc.

This accident could have been avoided. When driving in such conditions, with extremely poor visibility, heavy rain and the highest risk of aquaplaning, a recovery crane should only come to the track when the safety car is already on the track and the cars have lined up," said the legendary Niki Lauda on the day of Jules Bianchi's terrible accident in Suzuka, which this year marks the tenth anniversary of the death of the super-talented Frenchman in Nice in July 2015.

Charles Leclerc honors his friend with a special helmet design.

(Bild: AP)

20 years after Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, Formula 1 claimed its last fatality to date in Japan. Those responsible have learned a lot from this, drawn conclusions and, among other things, introduced the "Halo" cockpit protection in 2018.

"A very special person"
And of course, this weekend at the Suzuka International Circuit, where the fourth race of the season is scheduled for tomorrow, brought back sad memories for many drivers. Especially for Bianchi's long-time companion Charles Leclerc, who will climb into the cockpit of his Ferrari with a special helmet design. "A special helmet in memory of a very special person for me. It's been ten years since we lost Jules here in Japan. So many memories together that I will never forget. I miss you and I will do my best to get this helmet to the top of the podium on Sunday," said the 26-year-old Monegasque.

A special helmet in memory of a very special person for me. It's been ten years since we lost Jules here in Japan. So many shared memories that I will never forget.

Charles Leclerc

Bianchi, a close friend of the Leclerc family, had supported Leclerc since his first karting laps on the track in Brignoles and later recommended him to his manager Nicolas Todt. This paved the way for Leclerc to enter the premier class. "I think of Jules very often, also because it was his support that put my career on the right track," emphasized Leclerc.

History made
Bianchi began his career in karting in 2004, climbing through Formula 3, the GP2 and Formula Renault series to the "premier class". There, he completed two Formula 1 test days for Ferrari in December 2009 and received a long-term sponsorship contract in Maranello. Jules, who was regarded as a huge talent, started racing for Marussia in 2013, contested 34 races and made history in Monaco in May 2014 when he finished ninth and scored his first world championship points.

Family, friends and the Formula 1 circus had to say goodbye to an extraordinary person and racing driver far too soon. But everyone knows: There are always traces of his life somewhere: thoughts, images, moments and feelings. They will always remind everyone of Jules and never let them forget him.

"Incredibly talented"
Max Verstappen also commented on Jules Bianchi on the day of the free practice session, in which the world champion set the fastest time on the asphalt. "Personally, I didn't know him that well, but you could see that he was incredibly talented and could certainly have achieved great things."