Formula One racing driver Jules Bianchi died on July 17 from injuries sustained during a crash last October during the Japanese Grand Prix, his family announced in a message on Facebook. The death of France’s Bianchi, who raced for Marussia F1, is the first driver fatality in connection with a F1 championship event since 1994. Bianchi had been in a coma since the crash on a wet section of the track in Suzuka left him with severe head injuries.
In this interview with NBC Sports last year, Bianchi discussed his start driving go-karts at three years old through his remarkable 2014 Monaco Grand Prix performance, where he placed 9th.
“It was always the dream,” a soft-spoken Bianchi said of ascending to race in Formula One. Asked whether he thought he would ever become F1 world champion, “I will do all that I can to become one, one day,” Bianchi said. “And if I can’t, I will have no regrets.”