Philippe Bianchi hits back at legal action criticism

Jules Bianchi of France and Marussia walks across the paddock prior to the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 20, 2014
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The late Jules Bianchi's father defends his criticism of F1 authorities.

The late Jules Bianchi's father has defended his criticism of Formula 1 authorities.

Philippe Bianchi has engaged the help of lawyers to press a case against the sport, alleging that serious mistakes led to Jules's accident and subsequent death.

"I say and I repeat that errors were clearly made," Bianchi told Minute-Auto.fr. "Jules did not have an accident related to the risks of the job.

"For all the accidents I have seen, even the most terrible, there are always replays but this time there were no FOM images to show what really happened. People who attack me because they want to keep their privileges in F1 do not affect me. But if it was said 'Yes, errors were made but we can't go back', then for me that would be a step forward.

"I hired lawyers so that the truth is known and those responsible pay for their mistakes. I cannot imagine any parents, including those who criticise us, not doing the same as us if this happened to their child."

Mr Bianchi said that the accidents in 2009 of Henry Surtees and Felipe Massa were completely different.

"If Jules had had an accident like these, I would have said nothing, as Jules knew the risks he was taking," he added. "But Jules's accident was a complete mess!"

Bianchi added that one of the projects he was working on in Jules's honour - a young driver support programme - may not now happen.

Felipe Massa of Brazil and Williams is interviewed in the paddock during previews to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 13, 2014
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