Four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost says the passing of Jules Bianchi “hurts a lot”, though France’s most successful driver admits he had been preparing for the tragic news since the 25-year-old’s 2014 Suzuka crash.
The Nice-born racer had been in a coma for nine months and died from the severe head injuries he suffered when his Marussia veered off track and hit a recovery vehicle during last year’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“[Bianchi’s death] is a great deal of emotion, a great deal of sadness, first and foremost for his family and friends,” Prost told French news channel I-télé.
“The news does not come as a surprise for the damage was done in Japan. That’s where everything unfolded.
“We knew the outcome would unfortunately probably be negative but still, it hurts a lot. He was only 25… I have a son who’s 25. Everybody can imagine what it must feel like”.
Like many other motorsport figures mourning Bianchi, Prost believes his fellow Frenchman was on course to mix it among the frontrunners in the near future.
“His career was pretty straightforward and he probably was one of the drivers who had the best chances to make it in a top team, perhaps Ferrari. He was a true fighter.
“Two weeks before his accident, Jean-Eric Vergne, Jules and I went out for a bike ride and I was able to see just how much of a competitive spirit he had.”
F1 drivers pay tribute to Bianchi after death at 25
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