But Hamilton was not to take the chequered flag at the end of a Japanese Grand Prix which had been under threat of cancellation all week as Typhoon Phanfone headed towards Suzuka.

However, it was not to be the weather that brought out the second red flag which ended the race early – rather a freak accident involving Bianchi which left the 25-year-old Frenchman requiring surgery after suffering a severe head injury.

Bianchi ploughed into the back of a tractor which had been rescuing the stricken Sauber of Adrian Sutil after the German had spun out at the same point as the Marussia man a lap previously.

An ambulance was sent to the scene immediately, with the race red-flagged and a subdued Hamilton declared the winner.

“Our first thoughts go to Jules,” said Hamilton.

“It overshadows everything else when one of our colleagues is injured and we are praying for him. Next to this, the race result doesn’t seem significant at all. Nico and I had a tough battle, we were pushing really hard...But like I said, that’s not what matters today – our thoughts are with Jules.”

The FIA, Formula One’s governing body, issued a statement after the race to confirm the details of Bianchi’s accident and an update on his condition.

“Adrian Sutil lost control of his car, spun and hit the tyre barrier on the outside of Turn 7,” it read.

“The marshals displayed double waved yellow flags before the corner to warn drivers of the incident. A recovery vehicle was despatched in order to lift the car and take it to a place of safety behind the guardrail.

“While this was being done the driver of car 17, Jules Bianchi, lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.

“Once the marshals reported that the driver was injured, medical teams were despatched and the Safety Car was deployed. These were followed by an extrication team and an ambulance.

“The driver was removed from the car, taken to the circuit medical centre and then by ambulance to Mie General Hospital.

“The CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury and he is currently undergoing surgery. Following this he will be moved to intensive care where he will be monitored.

“Mie General Hospital will issue an update as soon as further information becomes available.”

No official update has yet been forthcoming but, as the teams packed up in Suzuka on Sunday evening bound for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, the title race, Sebastian Vettel’s move to Ferrari and the question marks over future drives for other world champions such as Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button will be inconsequential as all hope for good news on Bianchi’s health when they arrive.