Jules Bianchi earned his place in Formula One history through a rapid ascent from karting to the top tier of motorsport. Born in Nice in 1989, he displayed professional promise early, securing a foothold in the competitive European racing circuit before joining the Marussia team for the 2013 and 2014 world championship seasons.
Early Career and Junior Formulae
Bianchi began karting at age three, aided by his father's ownership of a kart track. In 2007, he moved to the French Formula Renault 2.0 Championship, winning the title with five victories. He continued his progression by claiming the Masters of Formula 3 in 2008 and the Formula 3 Euro Series title in 2009 with the ART team. Throughout this period, he maintained consistent performances in the GP2 Series, securing third-place finishes in both 2010 and 2011 before moving to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
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A long-term member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Bianchi served as a test driver for Ferrari in 2011 and later as a reserve driver for Sahara Force India during the 2012 season. He transitioned to a full-time race seat with Marussia in 2013, replacing Luiz Razia. During his tenure, he achieved a notable result at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished ninth after starting from the 21st position on the grid, securing his first championship points.
The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix
During the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, held in wet conditions, Bianchi lost control of his Marussia MR03. The vehicle struck a recovery crane on the side of the track, resulting in a severe diffuse axonal injury. He underwent immediate surgery and remained in an induced coma for nine months. He died in Nice on 17 July 2015. Following the incident, the FIA retired his racing number 17 and mandated the implementation of the halo cockpit protection system for all open-wheel championships starting in 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Nice, France
- Died: 2015, Nice, France
- Formula One debut: 2013 Australian Grand Prix
- Primary racing team: Marussia
- Career highlight: 9th at 2014 Monaco Grand Prix
- Retired racing number: 17
- Education: Ferrari Driver Academy
Questions readers ask
What was Jules Bianchi's final ranking in the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix?
He finished in ninth position after beginning the race from 21st on the grid.
Why was the number 17 retired from Formula One?
The FIA retired the number 17 in honour of Jules Bianchi following his death.
Achievements
- Worked as racing automobile driver and Formula One driver
