Results in Japan inconsequential

The results of last weekends Grand Prix in Japan are inconsequential.

The only focus right now is on Marussia driver Jules Bianchi who remains in hospital in a critical condition after crashing into a recovery vehicle which was on the outskirts of the circuit retrieving Adrian Sutil’s stricken Sauber.

Bianchi’s crash brought a premature end to the race on lap 42. With the race being red flagged.

Full points were awarded, which saw Lewis Hamilton take a ten point lead in the Formula One World Championship over team-mate Nico Rosberg.

It was also Hamilton’s 30th F1 victory and eighth of the season, which he had earned with an excellent overtaking manoeuvre around the outside of turn one.

But under the circumstances those facts will be quickly resigned to the history books as everyone’s thoughts remain exclusively with Bianchi.

‘Our first thoughts go to Jules – it overshadows everything else when one of our colleagues is injured and we are praying for him. Next to this, the race result doesn’t seem significant at all. Hamilton told formula1.com.

Rosberg added: ‘My thoughts are with our colleague Jules and his family and team-mates, and we are hoping for some positive news.

Mercedes team executive director (technical) Paddy Lowe added: ‘Our thoughts are now with Jules Bianchi as we wait for more news of his condition.

Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff said: ‘At this stage, the only important thing is that Jules Bianchi is okay and recovers; the sport is not as important as that now.’

**All four men were talking immediately after the race on Sunday.