Jules Bianchi's Family Seeks Help After Sentimental Kart Theft
The family of late F1 driver Jules Bianchi is appealing for help after thieves stole several karts, including his final kart with immense sentimental value. His father, Philippe, confirmed the theft on social media.
Philippe Bianchi, father of the late Jules Bianchi, has made an urgent public appeal after thieves stole nine go-karts from his family's foundation. Among the stolen items was the last kart Jules ever drove, a KZ 125 ART GP, which holds immense sentimental value for the family. The theft also included karts belonging to Jules' nephews, prompting a heartfelt plea to the motorsport community for their safe return.
Why it matters:
This is more than a simple theft; it's an attack on the legacy of a driver beloved across the F1 community. The stolen karts are vital assets for the JB17 Forever foundation, which Philippe Bianchi established to honor his son. The foundation supports young, underfunded drivers and aids the hospital unit that treated Jules, making the theft a blow to a charitable cause doing important work in his name.
The details:
- Philippe Bianchi announced the theft on Facebook, calling the thieves "without scruples" for stealing from his family's foundation.
- Stolen items include nine JB17 Forever chassis, Jules' personal KZ 125 ART GP kart—his last before moving to single-seaters—and mini-karts for his grandsons.
- Bianchi emphasized that while the machines have monetary value, the sentimental loss is far greater.
- He has urged the karting community to be vigilant and report any sightings of karts branded with "JB17" to help recover the irreplaceable pieces of his son's history.
What's next:
The Bianchi family is now relying on the public and the tight-knit karting community to help locate the stolen equipment. The hope is that the widespread appeal will lead to the recovery of the karts, which are not only valuable assets but also cherished memorabilia. The incident serves as a stark reminder of Jules Bianchi's enduring impact on the motorsport world, years after his tragic passing.