Hamilton says Japan GP win 'did not seem relevant' after Bianchi's accident

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has said that the Japanese Grand Prix win did not seem relevant after he heard about Marussia driver Jules Bianchi's accident.

Hamilton is preparing to defend his 10 point lead and continue a string of three successive victories as Formula One is set to make its debut in Russia with a shadow hanging over the sport.

Bianchi's accident is the worst in 20 years, since Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed 24 hours apart at Imola in 1994, The Mirror reported.

In a statement on his web site Hamilton said that it is difficult to know what to say after a weekend like the one in Japan.

The Brit said that as he crossed the line, obviously he was pleased to have finally won at Suzuka, but added that as soon as they got back to the pits and heard what happened to Bianchi it suddenly didn't seem relevant anymore.

Hamilton said that his thoughts and prayers are with the Frenchman and his family,

Hamilton also said that this weekend is a new experience for Formula One as we head to Russia for the first time. He said that he likes a challenge and a new circuit always provides that.

Bianchi's family is at his bedside in Japan after flying from Europe to Yokkaichi on Monday where he is under intensive care at Mie General Hospital. The latest condition given by the family on Tuesday was that Bianchi has suffered a diffuse axonal injury.

Specialists say only one in ten of those who suffer such severe injuries return to normal. But neurosurgeons who know the condition say there is always hope because at this early stage no one can completely know the extent of the damage, the report added.