French Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi has died, nine months after he suffered severe head injuries in a horrific crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old had been in a coma since crashing his Marussia car into a recovery vehicle at the rain-hit race last October.
Bianchi, who had suffered a diffuse axonal injury, died in hospital near his parents’ home in Nice in the south of France.
His family said:
Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. We thank Jules’s colleagues, friends, fans and everyone who has demonstrated their affection for him over these past months, which gave us great strength and helped us deal with such difficult times.
Listening to and reading the many messages made us realise just how much Jules had touched the hearts and minds of so many people all over the world.
The Marussia team, now known as Manor, added:
Words cannot describe the enormous sadness within our team this morning, as we come to terms with losing Jules. He has left an indelible mark on all our lives, and will forever be part of everything we have achieved, and everything we will strive for going forward.
The Frenchman was considered one of the most promising drivers in Formula 1, leading the exciting new generations of racers.
Competing for a struggling team, Bianchi frequently proved his significant potential, routinely producing performances that would not normally be expected from his car.
There were a number of impressive drives from Bianchi, the best of which was his ninth place finish in the Monaco Grand Prix in May last year.
Today, tributes have poured in for Bianchi as the F1 and sport world mourns the passing of one of its brightest stars, gone far too young.
Last night we lost a truly great guy and a real fighter #RIPJules my sincerest Condolences to his family and friends.
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) July 18, 2015
A sad, sad day today, guys. Please pray for Jules' loved ones. RIP Jules. God bless. pic.twitter.com/ODqQ5uHsyG
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 18, 2015
Yesterday we lost one of the best guys and best drivers I've ever met. I'll miss you so much my friend… #RIPJules pic.twitter.com/QYr5F9QOXS
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) July 18, 2015
Woke up to these very sad news.. RIP Jules. You will be never forgotten. My thoughts are with the family pic.twitter.com/79yv2DrDFa
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) July 18, 2015
No words can describe what his family & the sport have lost. All I can say it was a pleasure knowing & racing you.
x pic.twitter.com/NVcfbV9qdR— M A X Chilton (@maxchilton) July 18, 2015
Rest in peace dear Jules! We lost a great fighter today. All my thoughts are with you and your family @Jules_Bianchi pic.twitter.com/ojPmAR9v79
— Andre Lotterer (@Andre_Lotterer) July 18, 2015
extremely sad to hear that jules bianchi passed away. thinking about jules and his family. #RIPJules pic.twitter.com/4bsGhLvEmR
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) July 18, 2015
Very sad day for Motorsport, the best driver that I raced against has left us after 9 months fighting for his life. RIP my friend. Jules
— Roberto Merhi (@robertomerhi) July 18, 2015