The FIA has confirmed that Jules Bianchi’s number 17 will no longer be used in the F1 World Championship. The news comes ahead of the Frenchman’s funeral in Nice tomorrow.
Since last season drivers have chosen a number that lasts for the whole of their career in the category.
An FIA statement said: “Jean Todt, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, announced that the car number 17 will be retired from the FIA Formula One World Championship in honour of Jules Bianchi.
“As F1 car numbers are now personally chosen by each driver, the FIA believes it to be an appropriate gesture to retire Jules Bianchi’s number 17.
“As a result, this number can no longer be used for a car competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog 
Thank you Jean, for yet another empty gesture. Well intentioned, but empty non the less. Now go pick up your fiddle while the rest of our sport burns to the ground.
bravo