The FIA has announced it will retire the number 17 from Formula One in honour of Jules Bianchi.
Since 2014, drivers have chosen a personal number to carry with them throughout their racing careers, with the number 17 being used by Bianchi up until his fateful crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Jean Todt, President of the FIA announced that the number 17 will be retired from the Formula One World Championship in honour of Jules Bianchi.
“As F1 car numbers are now personally chosen by each driver, the FIA believes it to be an appropriate gesture to retire Jules Bianchi’s No. 17. As a result, this number can no longer be used for a car competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
Bianchi’s funeral will take place tomorrow at the Sainte Reparate Cathedral in Nice.