The FIA has confirmed that it will retire the number 17 from Formula 1 in memory of Jules Bianchi. The Frenchman chose the number as his permanent race number.
The governing body confirmed the move in a brief statement ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, where a minutes silence will also be held in honour of the Frenchman who passed away on Friday.
“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,” it said.
“As a result, this number can no longer be used for a car competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
