Jules Bianchi’s Last Kart Was Stolen from His Family
The family of the late Jules Bianchi was the victim of a burglary. The thieves took several items, including the last competitive kart used by the former Formula 1 driver — an item of inestimable sentimental value.
In a Facebook post, Jules’s father, Philippe Bianchi, denounced the shameful burglary his family recently suffered. Addressing the karting community, he appealed for solidarity in the hope of recovering the stolen items. Among the stolen items were nine chassis marked with the “JB17 Forever” insignia, the mini-karts of his grandchildren, and above all Jules Bianchi’s last competition kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model.
Beyond their material value, it is the sentimental importance that has delivered a fresh blow to a family already deeply affected by past tragedy. Anyone who is able to identify or spot any of these karts in circulation is asked to come forward.
“Dear friends, tonight I am addressing my karting family,” said Philippe Bianchi in his Facebook message. “Last night we were burgled and the unscrupulous thieves made off with nine JB17 Forever chassis. Even worse, they stole Jules’ last kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model, as well as my grandchildren’s mini-karts. Apart from the value of the machines, it is the sentimental value that hurts us. If you see any JB17 karts in circulation, please let me know in advance.”
The Emotional Memory of Jules Bianchi
Jules Bianchi’s mechanic, Dominique Guillien, shared his thoughts on what makes these items so important:
“Last night, you didn’t just break through the wrong door… you crossed into someone’s life. What you took isn’t just simple equipment. It has almost no market value — and for an obvious reason: you will never be able to use it. It is identified, traceable, and unusable on a karting track. But above all, it belonged to Jules Bianchi. A man, a driver, a karting kid — a name that all enthusiasts know, respect, and still carry in their hearts. Jules left such a powerful mark that even a five-year-old knows his story, his courage, his humanity.”
He continued:
“The Bebikarts run under special exemptions on very rare circuits. Their value is low, but the moral weight of this theft is immense. The day you try to use them, you will be immediately recognized, unmasked… and your own children will understand what you have done. By stealing this equipment, you haven’t just taken objects. You have reopened a wound. You have stolen a memory and made Jules’ parents and loved ones suffer a second time. To be a thief is one fall. But to persist would be a choice. It is still time to make it right. Leave this equipment somewhere it can be returned to his family. Do this gesture. For them. For you. Some things cannot be bought, sold… and should never be stolen.”
The tragic accident of Jules Bianchi, who left us too soon
In 2013, Jules Bianchi entered Formula 1 with the Marussia team. Considered one of the greatest hopes of French motorsport, his career and life were brutally cut short during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. In extremely difficult weather conditions, the driver lost control of his car and crashed into a crane on the Suzuka circuit, which was being used to remove Adrian Sutil’s car.
After months of hovering between life and death, Jules Bianchi finally passed away on July 17, 2015. His memory remains deeply rooted in the world of motorsports, and this burglary tragically revives the pain felt by his loved ones.
