Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has passed away at only 25 years old. The French driver succumbed in the early morning of July 18 to injuries he sustained nine months ago during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. He figured in a horrific crash during the rain drenched race and has been undergoing treatment in hospitals in Japan and France ever since.

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The Marussia Team driver passed after being in a coma after sustaining massive head injuries. His car crashed into a recovery vehicle on the side of the track in Suzuka on Oct. 5, 2014 during the Japanese Grand Prix. The recovery vehicle was on the side of the track in the process of removing Adrian Sutil's vehicle from an earlier accident.

Nine months later, he lost his battle and was pronounced dead at 2:45 am local time at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) in Nice, France.  He had been transferred to the French hospital after receiving treatment in Japan immediately after the accident and was deemed stable enough to be transported.

Bianchi's family issued an official statement through the driver's Facebook fan page and shared through his personal Twitter account. ""Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end," said the Bianchi family. "The pain we feel is immense and indescribable," continued the statement.

The family also thanked the medical staff both in Japan and in Nice that had worked with Bianchi ever since he sustained his injuries. Gratitude was also extended to colleagues, friends and family who have given their words of support throughout the entire ordeal.

After news of Bianchi's passing broke, BBC noted tributes being shared by several of Bianchi's friends and colleagues from the industry. World champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton both took to their Twitter accounts to speak about their friend and colleague.

"Last night we lost a truly great guy and a real fighter #RIPJules," said Button. "A sad, sad day today, guys. Please pray for Jules' loved ones. RIP Jules. God bless," echoed Hamilton.

Bianchi is survived by his parents Philippe and Christine, his brother Tom and sister Mélanie.

TagsJules Bianchi, Marussia, Formula One, crash, accident, death, statement, Japanese Grand Prix, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, suzuka