Norman Nato was very close to fellow French driver Jules Bianchi, who passed away seven years ago

Formula E driver Norman Nato is set to drive with racing number 17 this season as a mark of respect for late F1 racer Jules Bianchi. Bianchi passed away seven years after suffering serious head injuries in a crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. Bianchi’s iconic number 17 was retired by F1 after his death but now Nato has taken it up in Formula E to pay tribute to the late driver. Bianchi’s father Philippe has made no objections and indicates that he supports Nato’s decision.

Nato is pretty happy to get his number of choice and can’t wait to begin the season. “Happy and proud to race under number 17 in @FIAFormulaE. This number means a lot to me. I started in karting and won championships with the 17. Jules also raced in @F1 with this number which makes it even more special for me. Can’t wait to get started”, he wrote on social media. Nato has waited a long time to get this race number and had been racing with number 71 till date. However, after Nyck de Vries’ move to F1, the Frenchman finally got his number.

Fans react to Norman Nato’s decision to choose 17 as racing number

Let us take a look at some of the reactions from fans on Twitter.

“I hope Jules is watching you from above, let’s make him proud Norman”, read a sweet message from a fan.

I hope Jules is watching you from above, let's make him proud Norman!

— mora (@_moraa17) December 19, 2022

“I can’t wait to see you race with Nr 17, thank you Norman and good luck for this season”, wrote another fan.

I can't wait to see you race with Nr 17, thank you Norman and good luck for this season!

— Jan 🦦 (@pinsaroulette16) December 19, 2022

“Now you make me cry again. Good luck Nono.. see you in Jakarta”, read a tweet.

Now you make me cry again 😭
Good luck Nono.. see you in Jakarta 🙌

— sulli🆑❄️ (@sull1meadows) December 19, 2022

“Goodluck Norman!! Racing for Jules and his number #JB17”, tweeted another fan, echoing similar sentiments.

Goodluck Norman!! Racing for Jules and his number❤️ #JB17

— Cheryl (@schumacheryl) December 19, 2022

Another fan wrote: “Go win for Jules! #JB17.”

Go win for Jules! #JB17

— Benjamin J. Arsenault (@BenJArsenault) December 19, 2022

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