Jules Bianchi had “the same talent as Verstappen” according to Alexander Rossi

Eight years after the terrible accident that cost him his life in Suzuka, Jules Bianchi is still on everyone’s minds. American Alexander Rossi, who was the reserve driver for Marussia at the time, remembers this young man with exceptional talent.

« In the lower categories, you saw him as one of the chosen ones, as one of the leaders of this small group of phenomena. I would place him at the same level as Max [Verstappen] in terms of ability and talent, he has won all the championships he has participated in. Only a few can do that, and Ferrari has helped him and given him great rewards. », admire Rossi.

« During my time at Manor Marussia, I was never at his level in terms of talent or performance, and he had an eye on the future, waiting for his chance. It was horrible for me to be part of this weekend in Suzuka as a reserve driver, and it was a very difficult moment for the whole team. We had to bear this tragedy when we went to Sochi the following week.”

» remembers the American.

In Suzuka, on October 5th, during the fifteenth round of the 2014 championship, the rain falls heavily on the Japanese track. The conditions are extreme to the point that Felipe Massa even asks for the race to be stopped. On the 42nd lap, Adrian Sutil loses control of his car. One lap later, Jules Bianchi loses his Marussia at the same place and collides with a crane that was removing Sutil’s Sauber. An accident of rare violence that will cost the life of the young 25-year-old Frenchman, after nine months in a coma.

After numerous tributes, Formula 1 resumes its rights the week following the Japanese Grand Prix, while Bianchi is in a coma. It is Alexander Rossi, the third driver and still a newcomer to the premier category, who is registered to replace him in Sochi. A very difficult situation for the American, who did not want to make his debut under these circumstances.

« For Sochi, I was a reserve driver and I had the obligation to get into the car. During that weekend, I was talking to Joe Saward and Tracy Novak, and I told them that I hated this situation, I didn’t want to make my debut like this. They told me that they understood but they had to race, and theoretically, I would do it too, as I was registered for that race. » explains Rossi.

Of course, a few days later, we made the decision, as a team and out of respect for his family, not to drive this car, it was too premature, it was a great relief for me. I didn’t want to drive the car on a weekend like that. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Manor,” concludes Alexander Rossi.