Lewis Hamilton says Formula One drivers should never underestimate the dangers they face when stepping into a car.
The world of motorsport has been grieving the loss of Jules Bianchi this week after he died on Friday night from head injuries sustained at last year's Japanese Grand Prix. Bianchi is the first F1 driver to die as the result of an on-track accident since Ayrton Senna in 1994 and Hamilton said those taking part in the sport can never take safety for granted.
"Saying goodbye to Jules was incredibly hard for everyone," Hamilton said. "For myself, I wished I had known him better. But from what I knew of him, he was a kind heart with a great spirit and a bright future. Now our sport embarks on a tough road ahead.
"We have been shown once more the dangers of our sport, that these should be respected and that we drivers commit ourselves to the chance that those dangers are there when we step into the car. We have made great progress for safety thus far and I know that the FIA will continue to make steps forward to improve even further."
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said F1 must honour Bianchi's memory by continuing to work on safety.
"It has been a difficult week for the motorsport family. My first thoughts go to the family and friends of Jules - the loss of a child is something for which there are no words, and on behalf of the team I send them strength for the days and weeks ahead. I personally remember the first time I heard of an incredibly talented young French guy with an Italian name back in 2007 - how he performed in his F3 rookie season in 2008, then dominated the following year to become champion. That is how we will remember Jules: as an extraordinary champion.
"And we will honour his memory by continuing to improve the safety of the drivers, team members, circuit workers and spectators under the leadership of the FIA."