Bianchi died on July 17, 2015 as a result of massive head injuries he incurred when his Marussia F1 car crashed into a trackside recovery vehicle during the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2014.

His parents, brother and sister decided that Jules’ successful ascent to F1 would be the basis of the foundation to help young, up-and-coming drivers graduate to the next step in their career so that “success is based on talent, and not on money”.

According to the society’s website: “The main objective of the foundation is to free the best young drivers from their financial obligations. The target is also to assist them and to guide them efficiently during their career.”

A programme will be put into place with several objectives. One is to enter a minimum of four kart racers in international competition and to take them, over a three-year period, to the “best motorsport programmes available” thanks to “large business contacts networks”.

Philippe Bianchi, Jules’ father and honorary president of the foundation, said: “My son Jules left us too early to fulfill his objectives and dreams. Today, I must honour him through this foundation.

“Despite the loss of Jules, my mission is to commemorate his career through the Jules Bianchi Society. It is, for me, the best proof of my love for Jules.

“I am convinced that wherever he is, he’s proud that this name, his colours and his values are linked to this foundation.”