Jules Bianchi’s Family Are Suing The FIA, FOM And Marussia
10 months on from Jules Bianchi’s tragic death, his family is launching legal action against Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, Marussia and the Formula One Group.
The Frenchman suffered a diffuse axonal injury after a horrific crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, while driving for Marussia. After a nine month battle he sadly passed away last July.
Commenting on the plans to sue, Bianchi’s father Philippe said in a statement shared on behalf of the family:
“We seek justice for Jules, and want to establish the truth about the decisions that led to our son’s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014.
“As a family, we have so many unanswered questions and feel that Jules’ accident and death could have been avoided if a series of mistakes had not been made.”
The FIA’s accident panel produced a 396-page report and said Bianchi “did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control” when he collided with a recovery vehicle moving Adrian Sutil’s Sauber.
British firm Stewarts Law are acting for the Bianchi family. Partner Julian Chamberlayne explained:
“Jules Bianchi’s death was avoidable. The FIA Panel Inquiry Report into this accident made numerous recommendations to improve safety in Formula 1 but failed to identify where errors had been made which led to Jules’ death.
“It was surprising and distressing to the Bianchi family that the FIA panel in its conclusions, whilst noting a number of contributing factors, blamed Jules. The Bianchi family are determined that this legal process should require those involved to provide answers and to take responsibility for any failings.
“This is important if current and future drivers are to have confidence that safety in the sport will be put first. If this had been the case in Suzuka, Jules Bianchi would most likely still be alive and competing in the sport he loved today.”
Comments
To be honest, when you become an F1 driver you fully acknowledge all the dangers that come with it. So I dont think the family should blame the FOM and Marussia.
I agree with what you’re saying, but at the same time it wasn’t a racing incident or anything like that at all. It’s not like he crashed into another car. He crashed into a recovery vehicle which is where the problem lies. Only FIA and FOM should be blamed and not Marussia
This accident could have been prevented, Green flag when a tractor is working to clear another crash, that should never happen, I think track management/ FIA should be at fault.
Legally that’s not a fully accurate statement. I mean yes, there’s a voluntary assumption of risk but given how rarely accidents have caused deaths in recent F1 history (Jules was the first in about 20 years right?) the occurrence of death is not an assumption that must be taken.
Best of luck to them!
This is ridiculous. Unashamedly making money out of their dead son. Surely the F1 cars came far in terms of safety, but starting in the rain always had been a certain risk; a risk F1 drivers always were aware of.
[DELETED]
I have to agree. I mean,even if F1 cars became safer due to safety regulations, safety concerns, and the use of stronger and lighter materials, starting in the rain always has a risk, especially if you run on tyres not suited to rainy conditions. Everyone with a brain, F1 drivers, mechanics, everyone, even us ‘mortals’ would also know that driving in the rain has its risks, even if you drive something with 50 BHP. From hydroplaning, losing control, hindered visibility, there’s always a risk in everything. But really, I think the FIA should be blamed, I don’t know much about the incident, but from what I’ve read, it seems that the Marshals, and the FIA personnel there were more to blame rather than Jules.
Racing in the rain is one thing, racing in a freaking mansoon is another.
I agree that every Formula 1 drivers knows the risks of racing, but this was definitely avoidable. That tractor shouldn’t of been there while the cars were still at full speed. Why wasn’t Jules or anyone else notified about the upcoming tractor at that turn. It is very sad and I believe the family should be compensated for their tragic loss… just my thoughts.
have*
[DELETED]
This is why i watch GT racing
how the flying gypo can they sue a bankrupt racing team
So sorry for him. He died in one of the lamest motorsports series. FIA should rethink their safety strategies and focus more on the track and its personnel. At least they should discuss with Jule’s family, because all they’re doing is playing shady and being disrespectful. GT Series, WRC and MotoGP FTW!!!
The only one being shady and disrespectful around here is you.
But marussia doesn’t exist anymore how can they sue them?
Marussia is Manor
I don’t blame Marussia. Their car was solid. But after watching the replays, I saw a marshal waving a green flag, meaning the cars were going through that corner at high speed, despite the debris on track and the low visibility and copious amount of water on track. Had there been a yellow flag, this could all have been avoided. That’s the guy to blame right there.
The marshals made a bad call. But I’m sure they know that and feel awful about it. I don’t see the point of playing the blame game. Its F1, and sadly this can happen.
I find it difficult to explain but I just don’t think this is the right thing to do.