The FIA will retire the number 17 Jules Bianchi carried as a mark of respect following the death of the Marussia Formula 1 driver.
The 25-year-old Frenchman died on Saturday after losing his battle with severe head injuries sustained in a horrific crash at the Japanese Grand Prix nine months ago.
In Bianchi’s honour the FIA has since announced it will retire the number 17 he adopted during the 2014 season.
“Jean Todt, President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced the car number 17 will be retired from the FIA Formula One World Championship in honour of Jules Bianchi,” read a statement on the FIA website.
“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 number 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 be held later today at the Sainte Reparate Cathedral in his native Nice.
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