F1 community bids farewell to Bianchi

Numerous members of the Formula One grid were among those attending the funeral of French driver Jules Bianchi in Nice on Tuesday. Bianchi passed away last week, nine months on from his crash in the Japanese Grand Prix.

The funeral took place at the Sainte Reparate Cathedral, the outside of which was adorned with large portraits of Bianchi in his Marussia overalls. Wreaths covered the nearby square, where fans could listen to the service over a PA system.

World champions Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Alain Prost were present, along with fellow drivers including Romain Grosjean, Daniel Ricciardo, Daniil Kvat, Nico Rosberg, Nico Hulkenberg, Marcus Ericsson, Pastor Maldonado and Felipe Massa.

Marussia team principal John Booth and Graeme Lowdon, Marussia’s president and sporting director, attended, as did FIA President Jean Todt. Formula One racing’s governing body confirmed on Monday that Bianchi’s race number, 17, will be permanently retired from the championship in his memory.