The atmosphere in the Sochi paddock is grim, with many drivers visibly upset and even angry in the wake of the circumstances surrounding Jules Bianchi’s crash.
“There are changes we want for this weekend,” said Nico Rosberg, “but I am not going to give you details.” Sergio Perez broke ranks and was highly critical of the FIA on Thursday, and Bianchi’s closest friend in the F1 paddock, Jean-Eric Vergne, also sounded angry. “I think we should not be driving in difficult conditions – even normal conditions – with a crane on the track,” the Frenchman told RMC Sport. Vergne said he is not anticipating the outcome of Charlie Whiting’s investigation, which will be revealed to the drivers and also the media later on Friday.
FIA president Jean Todt is also in Russia this weekend. “I absolutely expect nothing,” Vergne insisted, “because it will not help Jules. “People are doing their job, I hope they do it well, but today the only thing that matters is trying to have more positive news about Jules.” F1’s most experienced driver Jenson Button called for calm. “At the moment it’s inappropriate for us to be outspoken,” the 34-year-old said. “There should be no pointing fingers. There’s an investigation going on.”
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone indicated that he will not be pointing fingers even after the investigation’s findings are published. “There’s a word that covers all these things and it’s called accident,” he is quoted by PA Sport. “It sounds bloody awful,” he said, referring to Bianchi’s condition. “Whatever can be done is being done.”
