Philippe Bianchi Appeals for Return of Son Jules' Last Kart After Theft
Philippe Bianchi, father of late F1 driver Jules Bianchi, made an emotional appeal after thieves stole his son's last kart among others. He's asking the karting community for help in locating the stolen items.
Philippe Bianchi, father of the late Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi, has issued an emotional plea to the karting community after a burglary saw the theft of his son's final racing kart. The theft of the KZ 125 ART GP model, along with eight other karts, has caused significant pain to the family due to its immeasurable sentimental value.
Why it matters:
Jules Bianchi's tragic death in 2014 left a permanent scar on the F1 world, and his memory remains sacred within the sport. The theft is not just a crime of property but a violation of that legacy, stealing a tangible piece of a promising career cut short and a cherished family heirloom.
The details:
- Philippe Bianchi announced on Facebook that nine karts were stolen in a burglary.
- The most significant item taken was Jules' last kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model, which he raced before his F1 career.
- Also stolen were karts belonging to Jules' grandsons and several "JB17 Forever" chassis, referencing Jules' retired racing number.
- Bianchi directly addressed the "karting family" in his post, asking anyone who sees the stolen karts "in circulation" to contact him.
Between the lines:
This incident highlights the profound and lasting connection between the Bianchi family and the motorsport community. It serves as a stark reminder of Jules Bianchi's enduring legacy, not just as a promising driver lost, but as a person whose memory continues to resonate deeply. The public appeal underscores the hope that the tight-knit nature of the racing world can help recover a piece of irreplaceable family history.