F1: Jules Bianchi succumbs to injuries after nine-month fight

Jules Bianchi, the Formula 1 rising star who was grievously injured in a crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, has died in a French hospital. He was just 25.

His family released this statement via Facebook:

“It is with deep sadness that the parents of Jules Bianchi, Philippe and Christine, his brother Tom and sister Mélanie, wish to make it known that Jules passed away last night at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) in Nice, (France) where he was admitted following the accident of 5th October 2014 at Suzuka Circuit during the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix.

“Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. The pain we feel is immense and indescribable…. We thank Jules’ 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.”

Bianchi, who raced for Marussia F1 team in 2013-’14 and was a Scuderia Ferrari test driver, struck a safety vehicle when his car appeared to hydroplane off the track at Suzuka in wet conditions. The safety vehicle was moving another spun car.

The motorsport world immediately sent messages of sympathy via Twitter.

Mario Andretti - My heartfelt condolences to the @Jules_Bianchi family for this very sad ending of a promising young life. My prayers are with you. #RIPJules

James Hinchcliffe - So sad. Hate seeing a bright star extinguished. RIP Jules Bianchi.

Dario Franchitti - Rest in peace Jules Bianchi. This sport that we love can be very cruel.

Manor F1 Team - We are devastated to lose Jules after such a hard-fought battle. It was a privilege to have him race for our team.

Casey Stoner - Very sad to hear the news of Jules Bianchi RIP...

Andre Lotterer - Rest in peace dear Jules! We lost a great fighter today. All my thoughts are with you and your family

Juan Montoya - Just heard that Jules Bianchi passed away. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends. #RIP

Sage Karam - Sad day for racing. Rest easy @Jules_Bianchi

Mitch Evans - Rest in peace Jules.. Quite hard to believe and to accept but I hope you're in a better place now

Spencer Pigot - Sad day for Formula One. RIP Jules Bianchi.

Simon Pagenaud - We will miss you buddy. I'm speechless right now, words can't describe the sadness we all feel at this moment. #RIPJules

Justin Wilson - Just read the news on Jules Bianchi. So sad, can’t imagine how tough it is for his family. #FORZAJULES #RIPJules

• More tribute to Bianchi

• Manor: An honor to race with Bianchi

• Alonso on Bianchi's "miracle" Monaco points