The family of late Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi is reeling after thieves stole nine karts from his father Philippe’s home earlier this week, including the final kart Jules raced before progressing to single-seater racing.
Among the stolen karts was the machine Jules drove before embarking on a career that saw him win the 2009 F3 Euro Series and eventually compete in Formula 1 for two years with Marussia. The Nice-born driver died in July 2015 from injuries sustained in a horrific crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, aged just 25.
The Bianchi family issued a statement lamenting an act that “reopens an immense wound” and condemned what they called “a symbolic, intimate and deeply distressing offence”. They appealed to the thieves’ sense of responsibility, hoping the karts can be retrieved and Jules’ legacy protected.
“You stole a legacy”
Dominique Guillien, Jules’ former mechanic and close family friend, issued a pointed message to the perpetrators that highlighted both the practical and emotional dimensions of the theft.
“You didn’t pick the wrong door… but the wrong life,” Guillien wrote in a social media post. “What you took isn’t mere equipment. It has little to no commercial value, for an obvious reason: you’ll never be able to use it. It is identified, traceable and unusable on a karting track.”
Guillien emphasised the significance of the Jules Bianchi name within motorsport. “Most importantly, it belonged to Jules Bianchi. A man, a driver, a child from the karting community. A name that all enthusiasts know, respect and keep close to their hearts. Jules left such a mark that even a five-year-old would know his story, his bravery, his humanity.”
The stolen karts include Baby Karts, which Guillien noted can only be used with special exemption on very few tracks. “Their value is low, but the emotional weight of the theft is huge,” he explained. “The day you attempt to use them, you’ll immediately be recognised, exposed… and your children too will understand what you did.”
Appeal for return
Guillien’s message concluded with an appeal for the thieves to return the equipment anonymously.
“When you stole this equipment, you didn’t just take items. You reopened a wound. You stole a legacy. You hurt Jules’ parents and loved ones again,” he wrote.
“Being a thief, in itself, is a downfall. But persisting would be a choice. It is not too late to set things right. Drop this equipment in a location where it can be returned to his family. Do it. For them. For you. Some things can’t be bought, can’t be resold… and should never be stolen.”
Remembering Jules Bianchi
Jules Bianchi came from racing royalty—his great-uncle Lucien Bianchi was a Le Mans 24 Hours winner, while his godfather is three-time world champion Jean Alesi. He rose through karting to become one of motorsport’s brightest young talents.
The Nice-born driver was a familiar face in Monaco, racing in the same karting circles as Charles Leclerc and effectively growing up alongside many of the famous names in Formula 1 today. His connection to the Principality ran deep, making him a beloved figure in the local motorsport community.
After winning the 2009 F3 Euro Series, Bianchi served as Ferrari’s test driver before making his Formula 1 debut with Marussia in 2013. His finest moment came at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix, where he scored the team’s only championship points with a ninth-place finish.
Four months later, Bianchi suffered catastrophic head injuries when his car struck a recovery vehicle during the rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. He never regained consciousness and died nine months later, prompting widespread grief across the motorsport community and leading to significant safety reforms in Formula 1.
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Photo: Jules Bianchi and friend Charles Leclerc