The family of Jules Bianchi launched a "major lawsuit against the deceased Frenchman’s former team, Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Group and F1’s governing body, in an unprecedented action which could cost the sport millions," according to Daniel Johnson of the London TELEGRAPH. Philippe Bianchi, the 25-year-old’s father, announced on Thursday that "he has appointed a London law firm to take action against Marussia, the FIA and Ecclestone’s companies as part of a bid to raise compensation and clear his son’s name." The family also "sent legal letters to Charlie Whiting, Formula One’s experienced and respected race director." The official report after Bianchi’s "horrific accident in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix concluded the Frenchman had been driving too quickly under double yellow flags in treacherous conditions, causing him to go off the track and collide with a recovery tractor." His father said, "As a family, we have so many unanswered questions and feel that Jules’ accident and death could have been avoided if a series of mistakes had not been made." Bianchi's decision was "immediately criticised" by Jackie Stewart. The three-time champion "agreed with the 396-page report which found Bianchi was driving too fast." Stewart: "It is very sad for his family -- and one can only feel great sympathy for them. But I do not think taking legal action is the right path to go down. The distress they feel will be drawn out longer. It will not make the pain go away. I really don’t want to be unsympathetic at all -- it is very sad for his family -- but had he abided by the double yellow flags he would still be alive. All drivers know there are risks" (TELEGRAPH, 5/26). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Bianchi, 25, died in hospital in his hometown of Nice "last July after suffering serious head injuries" during the Oct. '14 race. He was "the first Formula One driver to die of injuries sustained during a race since Brazilian triple world champion Ayrton Senna in 1994." Stewarts Law, representing the family, said that "formal pre-action letters of claim had been sent this week ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix." Stewarts said that "errors were made in the planning, timing, organisation and conduct of the race and the family felt the actions of one or more of the named parties may have contributed to the fatal accident." Stewarts partner Julian Chamberlayne said that it had been "surprising and distressing to the Bianchi family and the FIA panel in its conclusions, whilst noting a number of contributing factors, blamed Jules" (REUTERS, 5/26).
IT WAS 'AVOIDABLE': In London, Jack de Menezes reported Chamberlayne said that the Suzuka race took place in "dangerous conditions during the typhoon season in Japan." He said, "Jules Bianchi's death was avoidable." Chamberlayne also explained that the Bianchi family "do not accept that their son was responsible for the accident." Chamberlayne: "The FIA Panel Inquiry Report into this accident made numerous recommendations to improve safety in Formula One but failed to identify where errors had been made which led to Jules' death" (INDEPENDENT, 5/26).
