Philippe Bianchi, father of the late Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi, has appealed for information following the theft of several go-karts – including the final chassis his son raced before moving into single-seater competition.
Bianchi Snr made the request in a Facebook post on 7 January, explaining the sentimental significance of the machines:
‘Dear friends, tonight I am addressing my karting family. Last night we were burgled and the unscrupulous thieves made off with nine JB17 Forever chassis.
‘Even worse, they stole Jules’ last kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model, as well as my grandsons’ mini karts.
‘Apart from the value of the machines, it is the sentimental value that hurts us. If you see any JB17 karts in circulation, please let me know. Thank you in advance.’
Jules Bianchi was regarded as one of Formula 1’s brightest prospects of the 2010s. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, he raced for Marussia before suffering severe head injuries in a collision with a recovery vehicle during the rain-affected 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. He passed away nine months later, becoming the sport’s most recent fatality.
His death contributed to the introduction of the halo cockpit-protection system in 2018, which has since been credited with saving multiple drivers’ lives.
Bianchi’s legacy in Formula 1 is carried forward by his godson, Charles Leclerc, who has raced for Scuderia Ferrari since 2019.
