Marussia driver Jules Bianchi yesterday remained “critical but stable” in hospital following his horrific accident at the Japanese grand prix on October 5, his family said.

The 25-year-old Frenchman suffered a diffuse axonal injury to his brain, where the damage is more widespread, after crashing into a recovery vehicle at Suzuka almost four weeks ago, and underwent immediate surgery upon his arrival in hospital.

His condition remains unchanged almost a month later, his family revealed in a statement issued on the Marussia website.

“It will be four weeks this coming Sunday since Jules’s accident and he remains in the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi,” it read.

“His condition continues to be classified by the medical professionals here as critical but stable. Although we have no new information to give, we recognise that there are a huge number of people all around the world who are supporting Jules and willing him on in his fight.

“We owe it to his many fans to acknowledge the continued outpouring of messages, and to provide some information, however brief it may be.”