It was announced today (July 18) that 25-year-old French Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has died from the injuries he sustained in a horrific crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2014.
Bianchi, who was a driver for Marussia, crashed into a recovery tractor on an extremely wet track as he raced around the Suzuka Circuit. A report issued in December stated that Bianchi had not, despite the yellow warning flags, slowed down enough and hit the tractor at 126kph.
He had been in a coma since the accident, but his family released a statement today:
Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. The pain we feel is immense and indescribable….we thank Jules’ colleagues, friends, fans, and everyone who has demonstrated their affection for him over these past months, which gave us great strength and helped us deal with such difficult times. Listening to and reading the many messages made us realise just how much Jules had touched the hearts and minds of so many people all over the world.
The family also thanked the staff of Japan’s General Medical Center in the Mie Prefecture and Nice’s Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and the medical professionals who had assisted in Jules’ care.
Tributes to Bianchi have poured in from all over the world, many from his fellow racing drivers. Driver Lewis Hamilton posted this on Twitter:
A sad, sad day today, guys. Please pray for Jules’ loved ones. RIP Jules. God bless.
David Beckham, meanwhile, took to Instagram to post a message of condolence.
French President Francois Hollande also paid his respects, saying in an official statement:
French motorsport has lost one of its greatest hopes, My thoughts are with his parents, his family, and his friends.
Bianchi’s death means he is the first Formula One Grand Prix fatality since Ayrton Senna 21 years ago.
Everyone here at PopWrapped would like to send our love and condolences to Bianchi’s family and friends.
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