Jules Bianchi passed away aged 25
Published on 18 July 2015 by Stefan Meens
Jules Bianchi has died at the age of 25. The news was confirmed by the Frenchman's family, nine months after he suffered severe brain trauma due to a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix on 5 October 2014. Bianchi had been in a coma ever since the accident.
“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.“
Bianchi collided at high speed with a recovery vehicle during the closing stages of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. After being kept in an induced coma for seven weeks, he was transferred to the academic hospital in Nice. There, his condition remained critical until his passing last night.
“We wish to thank the medical staff at Nice’s CHU who looked after him with love and dedication. We also thank the staff of the General Medical Center in the Mie Prefecture (Japan) who looked after Jules immediately after the accident, as well as all the other doctors who have been involved with his care over the past months.”
“Furthermore, 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. We would like to ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time, while we try to come to terms with the loss of Jules.”
Bianchi made his Formula 1 racing début two years ago, driving for Marrussia. Prior to that, he was Force India's test driver. The talented Frenchman raced in 34 Grand Prix in which he scored two world championship point. His best finish was an outstanding ninth in the streets of Monaco.
“Today we have lost an amazing talent and person... Words can't describe our feelings right now. We will all miss you Jules”, expressed Max Verstappen straight after hearing the tragic news. Verstappen.nl joins Max in offering our sincerest condolences.
