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.”