F1 fraternity bids farewell to 'late' Jules Bianchi

The Formula One fraternity has bid farewell to French driver Jules Bianchi at his funeral ceremony in his hometown, Nice.

The 25-year-old Marussia driver passed away last Friday after succumbing to brain injuries sustained in a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix on October 5.

Reigning Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and other colleagues joined the late driver's family and friends at the city's cathedral to bid their final goodbye to Bianchi, the BBC reported.

Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel helped in carrying Bianchi's coffin out of the cathedral at the end of the service.

Bianchi had been in coma since crashing his Marussia car into a recovery vehicle in wet conditions at Suzuka nine months ago.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) had announced that Bianchi's car number 17 would be retired as a mark of respect to the Frenchman.

Earlier, former Formula One world champion Jenson Button had also paid tribute to Bianchi on twitter, saying, "Last night we lost a truly great guy and a real fighter #RIPJules.