F1 driver Bianchi dies after nine months in coma

Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has died nine months after suffering severe head injuries in a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, uniting the motorsport world in paying tribute to him. Bianchi, 25, had been in a coma since last October after his Marussia car collided with a recovery vehicle in wet conditions during the closing stages of the Japanese Grand Prix on October 5 in 2014. He died on Friday night.

Bianchi sustained serious head injuries in the Suzuka accident, which occurred in heavy rain under yellow-flag conditions. As marshals were working to recover the damaged Sauber of Adrian Sutil, who had crashed out a lap earlier, Bianchi lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the recovery vehicle. 

Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One group CEO, stated: “It was so sad to hear the news about Jules. We are now going to miss a very talented driver and a really nice person. We must not let this ever happen again.”

The team said: “We are devastated to lose Jules after such a hard-fought battle. It was a privilege to have him race for our team.” Bianchi died in hospital near his family’s French home in Nice, where he was transferred from Japan last November. The family expressed their gratitude to doctors in both countries, as well as paying tribute to all those who had lent their support from afar.