Jules Bianchi's Father Pleads for Return of Stolen Karts

Philippe Bianchi, father of the late Jules Bianchi, has issued a heartfelt public appeal after thieves stole several invaluable karts from the family. Among the stolen items is Jules' very last kart from his days before moving to single-seater racing—a piece of motorsport history with immeasurable sentimental value. The family is now asking the tight-knit racing community to help identify the stolen JB17 chassis if they appear for sale.

Why it matters:

Jules Bianchi remains a beloved and tragic figure in Formula 1, a driver whose immense potential was cut short. The theft is not just a loss of valuable equipment but a profound violation of his memory and legacy. For the F1 world, which still holds Bianchi in high regard, this incident strikes a deeply personal chord, highlighting the enduring connection between a promising career and its grassroots origins in karting.

The details:

• Philippe Bianchi detailed the burglary in a social media post, directly addressing his "karting family" for assistance.
• Stolen Items: The thieves made off with nine JB17 Forever chassis, Jules' final kart (a KZ 125 ART GP model), and even the mini karts belonging to his grandsons.
• The Plea: Bianchi stressed that the emotional damage far outweighs the monetary value of the machines. His post read, "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."
• Jules' Legacy: Bianchi scored Marussia's first-ever F1 points in Monaco 2014 and was seen as a future Ferrari driver before his fatal accident at the Japanese Grand Prix later that year.

Looking Ahead:

The Bianchi family's hope now rests on the vigilance and solidarity of the global motorsport community. The public appeal significantly raises the chances that the unique karts will be spotted and recovered. While the incident is a painful reminder of the family's loss, the overwhelming support it has already garnered shows that Jules Bianchi's legacy continues to resonate powerfully within the sport.