Jules Bianchi: Father of former Marussia driver reflects on his painful ordeal and loss of son

As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult to watch his son suffer a slow and painful death. Recently, Jules Bianchi’s father, Philippe, has shared the painful experience that he had to endure and deal with, seeing his son in frail condition after the fatal crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the elder Bianchi gave a heartbreaking insight into his ordeal losing a son. Jules had not regained consciousness after his fatal crash in Suzuka last year. The family of the former Marussia driver announced Jules’ death on July 17, nine months after the tragic accident.

It is difficult to cope with death, especially with a family member, but for Jules family, they were already anticipating grief. Philippe hinted that they somehow knew that Jules would eventually succumb to the injuries brought by the crash. He knew that the life of his son no longer in the hands of the medical specialists. He said that Jules, who suffered a diffuse axonal injury, sustained too much brain damage. Philippe thinks that the reason why Jules stayed alive for an extended amount of time was because of his son’s physical fitness.

Jules’ death left sadness to Philippe that no one can heal. He still remembers him and the memories that Jules left.

“I think Jules is with me now, but it’s difficult because he phoned me and his mother every day, and now it is one year that I can’t speak with Jules and his mother can’t speak with him,” Philippe said. “And for nine months, I can’t touch him and can’t give him a kiss, but Jules was a very good boy, he was very near his family, and it’s terrible.”

Philippe revealed that he cannot muster the courage to watch the video or look at the pictures of Jules’ Suzuka crash. He said it was “too difficult” for him to see what his son had suffered in the accident. Jules’ accident had also made it hard for Philippe to watch F1 Grand Prix events.

Grief for Jules is felt once again as F1 returns to Suzuka for the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix. To honour the fallen Marussia driver, Will Stevens will take the wheels to honour Jules. F1 also paid homage to Jules by posting a white flag with the message “Forever in our hearts #JB17” in the pit lane of the Suzuka Circuit, where he had his fatal accident last year.

Contact the writer at feedback@IBTimes.com.au, or let us know your thoughts below.