Tears for tragic F1 star Jules Bianchi: Lewis Hamilton joins mourners as world of motor-racing says farewell to French driver who died nine months after horror crash at Japanese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton, left, led the stars at the funeral for Formula One racing driver Jules Bianchi (inset) in his hometown of Nice, France, today four days after he died from head injuries sustained during a crash at last year's Japanese Grand Prix. Bianchi died on Friday, having been in a coma for nine months. Today family, friends and colleagues from the world of motor racing paid tribute to the 25-year-old who competed in 34 races during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, scoring the first ever championship points for the Manor-Marussia team at last year's Monaco Grand Prix. Above, Bianchi's helmet sits on top of his coffin outside Nice's Cathedrale Sainte Reparate, while Venezuela's Pastor Maldonado comforts fellow driver Brazilian Felipe Massa, centre. Bianchi's No. 17 is being retired from Formula One and tributes are expected at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend