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
Why are they sueing marussia/manor as well?
Because if you do not name all involved parties, they could scapegoat the unnamed party and later if you go after the unnamed party, they could scapegoat the first group. Legally speaking, it’s everyone in the pool. Then if you were determined not to be responsible, it’s actually ok.
Despite the marshals acting according to the FIA rule book it really is common sense to carry on displaying yellows when a recovery team and tractor are still on track. Marshal is seen in a video waving a green which is the correct thing to do according to the FIA. Safety car should have also been there in my opinion and could have prevented all of this. Bianchi however was driving much too fast for double yellows. Partially FIA/Track Management team’s fault.
this is a dangerous sport, its not golf, so deal with it
He went Straight off the track, Driver error
IMO, after Sutil’s accident, it could have been better if the safety car was brought out. With a slippery track and low visibility, I don’t think double waved yellows were enough to slow them down. And also a recovery car at the side of the track on one of the faster parts of the track.
Everyone accepts the risks and dangers when they drive and race, even people like us. So did Jules, and to be honest the FIA is at fault. Jules couldn’t have done anything without seeing the flag. Not to mention, without anymore safety nets for the drivers. The family isn’t trying to make money off of his tragic passing, they’re trying to call out the FIA to make sure this doesn’t happen to any other drivers. Because first and foremost, we are all humans. Competition is always second to helping people.
No one to blame apart from the driver. You accelerate after you pass the green flag not when you see it. Pass the flag - means your pass the crash.
He probably wanted to die racing, his family is just spitting on his grave for money.
Looks like you are misunderstood. He didn’t ‘’want’’ to die, but he knew the risks, and died driving. Was he ready to go? Heck no! But correct me if I’m wrong: He didn’t suffer for a long time before leaving our world.
Some people here, maybe you, maybe me, will probably have a WAY more ‘’shittier’’ death than him.