Jules Bianchi dies aged 25: Reaction and tributes after F1 tragedy

Former team-mates and the drivers he raced against on his way through the junior categories to F1 were among the first to take to social media to express their grief at the loss of the 25-year-old Frenchman, who died in a Nice hospital nine months after being gravely injured in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

"No words can describe what his family and the sport have lost. All I can say it was a pleasure knowing and racing you."

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

"Thank you for shining a light in this sport and being the driver that we all wanted to be. Thank you for being the one per cent behind the wheel."

"There is no word to describe how we feel today. Our thoughts go to his family and friends. Jules will always be part of our team."

"Goodbye my friend. You will be missed by so so many. Rest in peace Jules. My thoughts are with you..."

"Today the world lost a bright light. It's been a pleasure to have raced together but most importantly to have been friends. Love to the family."

"After your tragic accident and long fight, you are gone, but we will never forget you. How could we?"

"I have no words... We will miss you my old friend..."

"Horrible news. Rest in peace mate. A great example of fight and courage for all of us. You will always be with us."

"RIP Jules. I'll miss you."

"This morning I lost a friend and a great example of a special racing driver. I will never forget you, Jules Bianchi."

"So sad to hear the news of the passing of Jules Bianchi, he was such a talent and much loved by many."

"All my thoughts to the family of Jules Bianchi. RIP. Great young champion."

"Rest in peace my friend. We will miss the exceptional driver you were and the amazing guy that was..."

"RIP Jules Bianchi. It was a pleasure and privilege to have known him in his all too short life. Sad day, condolences to his family and friends."

"Motorsport has lost a future world champion. Always a fighter. It showed on track and through his whole battle. RIP Jules, you'll be missed."

"Jules Bianchi we will miss you buddy. I'm speechless right now, words can't describe the sadness we all feel at this moment."

"Such sad news about Jules Bianchi. I feel for his family, excruciating for them beyond belief. May they find strength."

"My heartfelt condolences to the Jules Bianchi family for this very sad ending of a promising young life. My prayers are with you."

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

"So sad. Hate seeing a bright star extinguished. RIP Jules Bianchi."

"Will never forget dinner at Hooters in Austin after the grand prix with James Calado and Jules. RIP, Jules."

"Rest in peace Jules Bianchi. A courageous young man. We will miss you."

"Rest in peace Jules. Thoughts are with his family and friends. We'll never forget you!"

"No words! Legends never die. RIP Jules."

"Woke up with the news that one of the greatest talents of our generation now rests in peace. We all miss you."

"Rest in Peace Jules. Words can't describe the sadness this morning. It was a pleasure to have known you, even more to have watched you race."

"Devastating news this morning. RIP Jules Bianchi. Thoughts are with your family and your friends. It was a pleasure to have known you!"

"We're deeply saddened to hear the passing of Jules. Our thoughts are with his loving family and friends. Rest in peace Jules..."

"Goodbye my friend and RIP Jules. You will be thoroughly missed by so, so many. You will never be forgotten and you were a hero to all of us. My thoughts are with you and your family. Farewell."

"Sad, sad day in motorsport... One of the greatest talents I've ever seen died after nine months fighting... RIP Jules."

"The thoughts of everybody at McLaren are with the friends and family of Jules Bianchi. You will be sorely missed. RIP Jules. Forza Jules."

"Talented and a gentleman. Will remain in our hearts. RIP Jules."

"My strong thoughts go to Jules Bianchi's family! Hope the lessons we learned will stop more tragedies like these from happening! RIP."

"Saddest news to wake up to. RIP Jules. All my thoughts are with the family today. I will always remember your 2014 Monaco drive."

"Our thoughts are with Jules Bianchi and his family at this very sad time. Proud to have known and worked with him."