1
Ferrari have denied that the name of their 2017 challenger will be named after the late Jules Bianchi. Santander, a sponsor of the Italian team, tweeted a photo which suggested the name off the car would be the SF17-JB, with the 'JB' referring to Bianchi.
17 was also the race number that Bianchi carried at the time of his accident at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014. However, Santander quickly deleted the tweet and apologised, but not before it was captured and sent whirling through the F1 community.
Vasseur Warns That Every Team Will Improve in Miami, Not Just Ferrari
Hamilton Loses Podium at Suzuka as Power Problem Leaves Him Defenceless
Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport contacted Ferrari to get a statement on the matter, with one spokesperson saying: "The news is without foundation.
"The most appropriate and elegant way to remember Jules is doing what was done in Nice, with the dedication of a street in his name."
Bianchi was part of the Ferrari driver academy and it was revealed shortly after his death that the team were planning to promote him in place of Kimi Raikkonen in the near future.
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
I. Hadjar
A. Antonelli
C. Leclerc
66 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (1)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I really hope they name it after him, it would be a lovely tribute