Thieves Steal Jules Bianchi's Karts, Reopening 'Immense Wound' for Family

Nine karts, including the final one driven by the late Jules Bianchi before his move to single-seaters, were stolen from his father's home. The theft has deeply affected the Bianchi family, who describe it as a 'symbolic, intimate and deeply distressing offence' that reopens the wound from his tragic 2015 death.

Why it matters:

• The stolen karts are not just valuable equipment; they are irreplaceable pieces of motorsport history tied to a driver whose legacy is revered across the F1 community.
• For the Bianchi family, the theft is a cruel reminder of their loss, forcing them to relive the pain of Jules's tragic accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
• The act is seen as an attack on the memory of a promising talent whose story is known and respected by fans, from seasoned enthusiasts to young children in karting.

The details:

• The burglary took place at the home of Jules's father, Philippe, with nine karts taken in total.
• Jules's former mechanic, Dominique Guillien, issued a direct message to the thieves, highlighting the futility and cruelty of the act:
  • Traceable & Useless: The karts are well-known within the tight-knit karting community and cannot be sold or used without immediate recognition.
  • Stolen Legacy: "You didn’t just take items. You reopened a wound. You stole a legacy," Guillien stated, emphasizing the immense emotional value over any monetary worth.
  • A Call for Conscience: He pleaded with the perpetrators to return the equipment, arguing it's "not too late to set things right" for the sake of the family and their own conscience.

Looking Ahead:

• The Bianchi family's sole focus is on the recovery of the karts, hoping the thieves will have a change of heart.
• The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the motorsport world, with the community rallying in support of the Bianchi family and the preservation of Jules's memory. The hope is that the public attention will pressure the thieves into returning the irreplaceable items.