Even the fast-paced world of formula one is pausing for thought, mere days after Jules Bianchi crashed at Suzuka.
The stricken Frenchman’s colleagues are busily adding ‘Tous avec Jules’ (all with Jules) stickers to their helmets, mindful still that the show must go on. Romain Grosjean said in the shiny new Sochi paddock: “If Jules could say something right now, he would say ‘Hey, guys, come on, you have a grand prix to do. Go for it!’ “I am in love with F1 and racing and I know Jules is as well,” he added.
Marussia is yet to announce precisely how it will race ahead in Russia whilst still stunned by Sunday’s events, but reserve driver Alexander Rossi did a lap of the new layout on foot with team engineers on Thursday. Elsewhere, emotions are running high.
Grand prix drivers’ association president Alex Wurz has urged for calm while feelings are hot, but Sergio Perez couldn’t hide his anger. “It’s not acceptable,” he said. “We have to look for answers from the FIA. If the tractor is there it’s a big problem,” said the Mexican, urging for more regular safety car periods when cars are being recovered. “You don’t want to expose anyone like that. We have to make sure they (FIA officials) hear us.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton hit back at speculation he might be thinking of leaving Mercedes to lead his former team Honda into its new Honda era. “I’m focused on one thing and one thing only right now,” he wrote on Twitter. “Winning this championship! I am committed 100 per cent to Mercedes.”
