The family of Jules Bianchi has warned that the Formula 1 driver faces a "painstaking programme of rehabilitation therapy" following his crash earlier this year.

The Frenchman remains unconscious but breathing unaided having sustained a severe head injury in a collision with a recovery vehicle during the Japanese Grand Prix in October.

The 25-year-old has since returned home but is still a long way from making a recovery, and his family released an update on his situation earlier today.

"As we reach the conclusion of a difficult year for our family, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a further update regarding Jules' medical situation, per our pledge to communicate continued information, when appropriate, to his many fans," their statement read.

"It was a significant and very comforting step for us to be able to bring Jules home to France last month, to continue his rehabilitation surrounded by his family and friends. This is very important for Jules and also for us. Since that time, Jules has received the very best treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU) and now at the CHU's rehabilitation centre for this kind of trauma.

"Jules's neurological status remains unchanged; he is unconscious but able to breathe unaided. Whilst there is no significant information to report, we take a great deal of comfort from the fact that Jules continues to fight, as we knew he would, and this has enabled the medical professionals caring for him to commence the planned, but very painstaking, programme of rehabilitation therapy.

"As we reflect on the events of the past few months, we would like to acknowledge once again the overwhelming warmth and affection shown towards our son. These continue to be challenging times for our family, but the knowledge that he has touched the lives of so many people all around the world has helped us through.

"We would also like to acknowledge the respect and support shown by the media towards our family during this time, for which we are extremely grateful. We will continue to provide information when it is possible to do so and our sincere appreciation to everyone who continues to pray for Jules."

Bianchi was driving for Marussia, who have since folded due to financial difficulties, when the crash took place.