Former team-mates and the drivers he raced against on his way through the junior categories to F1 were among the first to take to social media to express their grief at the loss of the 25-year-old Frenchman, who died in a Nice hospital nine months after being gravely injured in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
MAX CHILTON - Bianchi's 2013/14 Marussia F1 team-mate
"No words can describe what his family and the sport have lost. All I can say it was a pleasure knowing and racing you."
MANOR F1 TEAM - Bianchi's F1 team as Marussia
"We are devastated to lose Jules after such a hard-fought battle. It was a privilege to have him race for our team."
FERRARI - Bianchi was a Ferrari Driver Academy member
"Everyone in Ferrari and all of the Prancing Horse tifosi wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Jules' family, particularly his parents Philippe and Christine, his brother Tom and his sister Mélanie, at this time.
"Farewell Jules."
ALEXANDER ROSSI - GP2 racer and Marussia test driver alongside Bianchi
"Thank you for shining a light in this sport and being the driver that we all wanted to be. Thank you for being the one per cent behind the wheel."
ART GRAND PRIX - Bianchi's F3 and GP2 team
"There is no word to describe how we feel today. Our thoughts go to his family and friends. Jules will always be part of our team."
NICOLAS TODT - Bianchi's manager
"You were the little brother I had always dreamed to have. Sharing those last 10 years with you has been an immense privilege. I will miss you."
TECH 1 RACING - Bianchi's Formula Renault 3.5 team
"Our sincere condolences to Jules' family and we want them to know that we stand by them during this painful time.
"Rationally, we knew that the fight would be extremely difficult, but we were all waiting for a miracle. With a spirit as strong as his, we never gave up hope. We are proud to have worked with such a generous as talented person. Jules was a fighter.
"Bon voyage dear friend!"
VALTERRI BOTTAS - Williams F1 driver/Bianchi's 2009 F3 team-mate
"Woke up to this very sad news. RIP Jules. You will be never forgotten. My thoughts are with the family."
SAM BIRD - Bianchi's 2010 GP2 team-mate
"Goodbye my friend. You will be missed by so so many. Rest in peace Jules. My thoughts are with you..."
WILL STEVENS - Manor F1 driver
"Devastating news. A massive loss for Jules' family, friends and the sport. RIP mate. Will always be with us!"
ROBERTO MERHI - Manor F1 driver
"Very sad day for motorsport, the best driver that I raced against has left us after nine months fighting for his life. RIP my friend Jules."
FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM - where Bianchi was test driver in 2012
"Our thoughts are with Jules's family and friends in this moment. You will be sorely missed, Jules. Rest in Peace."
VIJAY MALLYA - Force India owner
"We came to know an outstanding young man and a tremendous talent who was destined for great things in F1. The world has lost a true racer and we have all lost a friend."
JENSON BUTTON - McLaren F1 driver
"Last night we lost a truly great guy and a real fighter. RIP Jules. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends."
ROMAIN GROSJEAN - Lotus F1 driver
"Yesterday we lost one of the best guys and best drivers I've ever met. I'll miss you so much my friend..."
JON LANCASTER - Bianchi's F3 team-mate
"Today the world lost a bright light. It's been a pleasure to have raced together but most importantly to have been friends. Love to the family."
MAX VERSTAPPEN - Toro Rosso F1 driver
"Today we have lost an amazing talent and person... Words can't describe our feelings right now. We will all miss you Jules."
GRAND PRIX DRIVERS' ASSOCIATION
"After your tragic accident and long fight, you are gone, but we will never forget you. How could we?"
JEAN-ERIC VERGNE - Ferrari F1 test driver/Formula E racer
"Destiny is probably the only thing you can't fight, for the rest Jules is the biggest fighter and talented driver that I met. We will miss you my friend...
"The world of motorsport thanks you for writing a page of history. You were a true friend in the paddock and what a good driver...
"My thoughts are going to your family. Jules will always be there..."
LEWIS HAMILTON - Mercedes F1 driver
"A sad, sad day today, guys. Please pray for Jules' loved ones. RIP Jules. God bless."
CARLOS SAINZ JR - Toro Rosso F1 driver
"Horrible news. Rest in peace mate. A great example of fight and courage for all of us. You will always be with us."
SERGIO PEREZ - Force India F1 driver, who posted a photo of the pair together as Ferrari juniors
"Sad news. It will be hard to know that we won't see you again on Sundays with the happiness that gave us all, Jules!
"Thanks for everything you gave to this sport we all love. Without a doubt today we lost someone special. RIP."
CHARLES PIC - Ex-F1 racer and Bianchi's Formula Renault team-mate
"RIP Jules. I'll miss you."
JAMES CALADO - Ferrari GT racer
"This morning I lost a friend and a great example of a special racing driver. I will never forget you, Jules Bianchi."
DAVID BRABHAM - Ex-F1 racer and Le Mans winner
"So sad to hear the news of the passing of Jules Bianchi, he was such a talent and much loved by many."
CARLOS SAINZ - Two-time World Rally champion
"All my thoughts to the family of Jules Bianchi. RIP. Great young champion."
RED BULL F1 TEAM
"A tragic loss. All of our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jules Bianchi."
JEROME D'AMBROSIO - Ex-F1 driver/Formula E racer
"Rest in peace my friend. We will miss the exceptional driver you were and the amazing guy that was..."
DANIEL RICCIARDO - Red Bull F1 driver
"I'll never forget you and the good times we had. Going to miss you bro."
MARTIN BRUNDLE - F1 racer turned commentator
"RIP Jules Bianchi. It was a pleasure and privilege to have known him in his all too short life. Sad day, condolences to his family and friends."
ROBERT WICKENS - DTM driver
"Motorsport has lost a future world champion. Always a fighter. It showed on track and through his whole battle. RIP Jules, you'll be missed."
ESTEBAN GUTIERREZ - Ferrari F1 reserve
"You will always be present in our hearts. I will follow that dream we had in common. RIP my friend!"
PASTOR MALDONADO - Lotus F1 driver
"RIP Jules Bianchi. big guy, big driver, big friend... hard to believe!"
SIMON PAGENAUD - IndyCar driver
"Jules Bianchi we will miss you buddy. I'm speechless right now, words can't describe the sadness we all feel at this moment."
JR HILDEBRAND - IndyCar driver
"Such sad news about Jules Bianchi. I feel for his family, excruciating for them beyond belief. May they find strength."
MARIO ANDRETTI - F1 and IndyCar legend
"My heartfelt condolences to the Jules Bianchi family for this very sad ending of a promising young life. My prayers are with you."
ANDRE LOTTERER - Three-time Le Mans winner
"Rest in peace dear Jules! We lost a great fighter today. All my thoughts are with you and your family."
JAMES HINCHCLIFFE - IndyCar driver
"So sad. Hate seeing a bright star extinguished. RIP Jules Bianchi."
CONOR DALY - IndyCar driver
"Will never forget dinner at Hooters in Austin after the grand prix with James Calado and Jules. RIP, Jules."
ALAN JONES - 1980 F1 world champion
"Rest in peace Jules Bianchi. A courageous young man. We will miss you."
STOFFEL VANDOORNE - GP2 championship leader
"Rest in peace Jules. Thoughts are with his family and friends. We'll never forget you!"
LOIC DUVAL - WEC and Formula E racer
"No words! Legends never die. RIP Jules."
LUCAS DI GRASSI - WEC and Formula E racer
"Woke up with the news that one of the greatest talents of our generation now rests in peace. We all miss you."
DANIIL KVYAT - Red Bull F1 driver
"Rest in peace, Jules. Forever in my and our hearts."
DAVID CROFT - F1 commentator
"Rest in Peace Jules. Words can't describe the sadness this morning. It was a pleasure to have known you, even more to have watched you race."
WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT - Where Bianchi raced in FR3.5 in 2012
"Devastating news this morning. RIP Jules Bianchi. Thoughts are with your family and your friends. It was a pleasure to have known you!"
GP2 SERIES - Where Bianchi raced in 2010/11
"GP2 organisers are terribly saddened by the untimely passing of Jules Bianchi. During his time in the series, the young Frenchman fought for poles, points, podiums, wins and the title.
"He moved on to new challenges and tackled them with great fighting spirit until he reached his true goal: Formula 1.
"Of him, we will remember his genuine smile and friendliness. Jules was a true competitor, a great driver, a fighter, and a winner.
"GP2 organisers would like to send their deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends."
LANDO NORRIS - MSA Formula driver
"Goodbye my friend and RIP Jules. You will be thoroughly missed by so, so many. You will never be forgotten and you were a hero to all of us. My thoughts are with you and your family. Farewell."
DANIEL JUNCADELLA - DTM driver
"Sad, sad day in motorsport... One of the greatest talents I've ever seen died after nine months fighting... RIP Jules."
McLAREN F1 TEAM
"The thoughts of everybody at McLaren are with the friends and family of Jules Bianchi. You will be sorely missed. RIP Jules. Forza Jules."
JOHNNY HERBERT - Ex-F1 racer
"Talented and a gentleman. Will remain in our hearts. RIP Jules."
BRUNO SENNA - Ex-F1 racer
"My strong thoughts go to Jules Bianchi's family! Hope the lessons we learned will stop more tragedies like these from happening! RIP."
JORDAN KING - GP2 racer
"Saddest news to wake up to. RIP Jules. All my thoughts are with the family today. I will always remember your 2014 Monaco drive."
PIRELLI - F1 tyre supplier
"Our thoughts are with Jules Bianchi and his family at this very sad time. Proud to have known and worked with him."
ANTONIO FELIX DA COSTA - DTM racer
"Today is a hard day for me and a bad day for motorsport, you left us but you sure left your mark! Rest in Peace my friend, a pleasure to have shared racetracks and podiums with you!"
SAUBER F1 TEAM
"What terrible news this morning. Our deepest condolences to Jules' family and friends. Rest in peace Jules, you will be greatly missed!"
MARC MARQUEZ - MotoGP world champion
"All my thoughts to the family of Jules. RIP."
PAUL HEMBERY - Pirelli motorsport chief
"Sad news to wake to, deepest condolences to all of Jules' family and friends. RIP Jules, it was an honour to have known you."
MARC GENE - Ferrari test driver
"In those devastating moments my thoughts are with the family of Jules Bianchi. RIP Jules."
EMANUELE PIRRO - Ex-F1 racer
"Sadly the miracle didn't happen. A very sad day for motorsport. All my thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends. RIP Jules."
FELIPE NASR - Sauber F1 driver
"Very sad news about Jules, we lost a true fighter... All my thoughts go to his family in this difficult time."
DANI CLOS - F3 and GP2 contemporary of Bianchi
"I'm so sorry for our friend Jules Bianchi. RIP one of the greatest talents of our generation. Be free in heaven mate."
MARCO WITTMANN - DTM champion
"Very sad news today, one of the biggest talents in motorsport left us. RIP Jules Bianchi.
My thoughts are with the family."
SUSIE WOLFF - Williams test driver
"Goodbye Jules. So sad to have lost a very impressive young man. Our thoughts are with the family."
KARUN CHANDHOK - Ex-F1 racer
"Goodbye Jules... One of those great 'what could've been' careers like Tom Pryce, Francois Cevert or Gilles Villeneuve before him. RIP Jules.
"My condolences to the Bianchi family and friends, everyone at Manor, his management team, Nicolas Todt. The world is a poorer place today."
WILLIAMS F1 TEAM
"A tragic loss. The thoughts of everybody at Williams are with the friends and family of Jules Bianchi. You will be missed. RIP Jules."
GIANCARLO FISICHELLA - Ex-F1 racer and Ferrari test/GT driver
"A wonderful boy and an amazing driver... you will be forever in our hearts. Ciao Jules."
DAMS - GP2 and FR3.5 team
"Such sad news. Rest in peace Jules. All our toughts are with his family and friends."
FELIPE MASSA - Williams F1 driver
"All my thoughts with Jules' family. I will miss you brother. RIP Jules."
NICK YELLOLY - GP2 racer
"Such sad news. It was a privilege to know and race against you mate. Sleep tight."
MERCEDES F1 TEAM
"Today, our motorsport family mourns as one. Rest in peace Jules, your memory will live long."
DAVIDE VALSECCHI - 2012 GP2 champion
"You were special!!! Life is not fair my friend."
(Valsecchi also tweeted memorable pictures of himself and Bianchi in fancy dress in 2007)
MAX PAPIS - Ex-F1 and IndyCar racer
"Racing Gods claimed Jules Bianchi upstairs. RIP champ. This is our life of racers. God bless him. Respect to his parents."
TOM CORONEL - WTCC racer
"RIP Jules Bianchi. We love our passion of racing but there are also days we hate our passion. Today we say goodbye to a real racer."
MITCH EVANS - GP2 racer
"Rest in peace Jules. Quite hard believe and to accept but I hope you're in a better place now."
ANDY PRIAULX - Three-time World Touring Car champion
"RIP Jules. Very, very sad. Thoughts are with his family, friends, fans and team."
KEVIN MAGNUSSEN - McLaren F1 test driver
"Rest in peace Jules. A great talent and a big loss for motorsport. Thoughts are with family and friends."
BEN BARNICOAT - Formula Renault Eurocup racer
"RIP Jules Bianchi. Was an absolute pleasure to know you, a top guy and a tragic loss to the world of motorsport. For sure a future champion."
ROBERT DOORNBOS - Ex-F1 and IndyCar racer
"Terrible news about Jules Bianchi. Unfortunately I never raced against this hugely talented driver. You will be missed!"
SEBASTIEN CHARDONNET - 2013 WRC3 champion
"In our French drivers' generation you were the number one and you will stay it! Rest in peace dude!"
PAUL DI RESTA - Force India F1 driver when Bianchi was reserve, now in DTM
"Very sad news this morning. RIP my friend. Thoughts are with all."
TORO ROSSO F1 TEAM
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jules Bianchi. You will be missed. Ci mancherai. Ciao Jules, RIP Jules."
OLIVER TURVEY - McLaren F1 test driver, GP2 contemporary of Bianchi
"Terribly sad to hear of the loss of a true talent and great competitor, a star has been lost too soon. You will always be remembered. RIP Jules."
PIERRE GASLY - GP2 racer
"No words... Such sad news, you were more than a friend, an example, and such a special person! We'll never forget you! RIP Julio!"
NICO ROSBERG - Mercedes F1 driver
"Extremely sad to hear that Jules Bianchi passed away. Thinking about Jules and his family."
FELIX ROSENQVIST - European F3 racer
"Rest in peace Jules Bianchi. Great talent, big loss for the motorsport world."
PETTER SOLBERG - World Rallycross champion and 2003 WRC champion
"So sad for Jules Bianchi - my sincerest condolences to his family and friends."
MARCUS ERICSSON - Sauber F1 driver
"Tragic news today. So unfair. One of the best guys on and off track. Rest in peace my friend."
FIA
"The world of motorsport is in mourning today, after the tragic passing of Jules Bianchi overnight.
"The sport has lost one of the most talented drivers of this generation, from a family that has such a strong presence in the history of the sport.
"Jules Bianchi was a popular personality all in F1, possessing the best of both human and sporting qualities.
"The FIA recognises the courage with which he conducted his last fight, in the company of his loving family.
"Jean Todt , FIA President, expressed his deepest condolences to Jules' family and recognised the great pain being felt by the Bianchi family and those close to them.
"The motorsport community offers their most sincere support through this terrible ordeal."
CYRIL ABITEBOUL - Renault F1 chief
"Sad day for motorsport. In a part of the F1 grid with little coverage, Jules' talent, spirit and style was an example for all."
MAURIZIO ARRIVABENE - Ferrari F1 team boss
"When you lose someone like Jules, sorrow and sadness go beyond the void in sport."
PIERRE FILLON - ACO president, Bianchi's great-uncle and grandfather raced at Le Mans
"It is with great sadness and deep emotion that we learned this morning the sad news of the death of Jules Bianchi. On behalf of the ACO and all employees, I present my condolences to the family and friends of Jules.
"He is part of the great family of motorsports and by his talent and his courage, he has earned the recognition of his peers and all fans of the discipline. "
