Mercedes executive director (technical) Paddy Lowe says "important lessons have been learned" from Jules Bianchi's accident at the Japanese Grand Prix last year.
Bianchi was left with severe head injuries after he crashed in to a recovery crane during the race in Suzuka, with the Frenchman passing away last week following nine months in a coma. After an investigation in to the circumstances surrounding the accident, a number of changes were implemented including the new Virtual Safety Car which forces drivers to slow down in certain sections of the circuit when required.
Lowe says Bianchi's passing should serve as a reminder of the improvements made since the accident as well as the need to continue to search for ways of making F1 safer.
"Through the weekend, we will have Jules Bianchi and his family uppermost in our thoughts," Lowe said. "Important lessons have been learned from his tragic accident last year and changes implemented to prevent that kind of accident recurring.
"Motorsport can never be free of risk - but these moments remind us all of the responsibility we bear to continuously improve safety in motorsport for all of its participants."
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