Number 17 retired in Bianchi’s honour

In honor of Jules Bianchi, who died in 2015, the FIA, the organization that oversees Formula One racing, has declared that vehicle number 17 will no longer compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

Bianchi finished the 2014 season as number 17 and famously earned his and the Marussia team’s maiden championship points in Monaco before passing away from injuries he incurred in an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Although it’s noteworthy to note that 17 wasn’t Bianchi’s initial choice, the 2014 championship was the first to allow drivers to choose their own numbers.

The drivers who finished ahead of the Frenchman in the 2013 standings were granted preference, even though he had asked for positions 7, 27, or 77.

Bianchi passed away in July 2015 following his collision at Suzuka the year before.

In wet conditions, the Frenchman lost control of his vehicle and struck a tractor that was attempting to pass another previously wrecked vehicle.

It was the most recent fatality and the first Formula 1 driver to die in a crash since Ayrton Senna in 1994.

Given Bianchi’s bright future and his relationship with many of the current Formula 1 racers, his passing had an impact on the sport as a whole.

Despite being discontinued from Formula 1, the number 17 can still be used in other series, as NATO did during the 2023 Formula E season.

The Frenchman claimed in an Instagram post that it was the number he first used in karting and that it was “even more special” to him that Bianchi competed with it.

“Happy and proud to compete in Formula E as number 17,” stated NATO. “I see great meaning in this number. I began karting and used the 17 to win titles.