Bianchi was destined for greatness, says team boss

2015 F1 season

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Jules Bianchi’s former team principal John Booth has said his driver was destined for great success in Formula One.

Bianchi passed away early this morning from the injuries he suffered in a crash during last year’s Japanese Grand Prix.

“Words cannot describe the enormous sadness within our team this morning as we come to terms with losing Jules,” said Booth in a statement issued by the Manor F1 team.

“He has left an indelible mark on all our lives, and will forever be part of everything we have achieved, and everything we will strive for going forward.”

Bianchi scored Marussi’a only point finish in the Monaco Grand Prix last year. Booth described him as “a shining talent” who was “destined for great things in our sport – success he so richly deserved.”

“He was also a magnificent human being, making a lasting impression on countless people all over the world. They recognised, as did we, that at the same time as being a fiercely motivated racer, he was also an extremely warm, humble and intensely likeable person, who lit up our garage and our lives.”

“We are incredibly grateful that we were able to provide Jules with the opportunity to show the world what he could do in a Formula One car. We knew we had a very special driver on our hands from the first time he drove our car in pre-season testing in 2013. It has been an honour to be able to consider him our race driver, our team-mate, and of course our friend.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful Bianchi family, who have remained so strong for Jules throughout the past nine months,” Booth added. “In turn, Jules was an absolute credit to them.”

“Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported Jules since his accident in Japan last October. Your kindness has been such a source of comfort to his family and to us, his team. We will rely on your continued support over the coming days and months as we race on for Jules.”

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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10 comments on “Bianchi was destined for greatness, says team boss”

  1. Yes he was. RIP.

  2. Sad to see him leave after his first step on the ladder of greatness. He will not be forgotten. RIP Jules.

  3. Drivers that score points for back markers usually go on to become regular front runners. Could have been a future world champion at Ferrari, RIP Jules.

  4. Lovely sentiment John

  5. By now, he would be a strong contender for Kimi seat at Ferrari

    1. @jcost
      It’s totally the opposite, 2016 became a prospect for Kimi only because of Jules incident

  6. There was some spark of Alonso in Jules. What a great pity to us.

  7. It’s poignant that a team of true racers was saved by the efforts of a true racer in Jules. RIP Jules and good luck to Manor! your efforts in the face of adversity and your fighting spirit are worthy of the memory of J. Bianchi. I will always be a fan

  8. I like to think there was more to Jules than what he could have been. Rest in peace Jules, hopefully nobody else runs under one of those tractors.

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