Marussia sporting director Graeme Lowdon expressed a degree of relief that his team's week from hell was finally over, but was more than aware that further tough emotional times were lurking around the corner.
With Jules Bianchi fighting for life after his crash in last Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, Marussia took the decision – as a mark of respect – to run only one car for the inaugural event in Russia.
With young Briton Max Chilton at the heart of Marussia's efforts at the Sochi Autodrom, Lowdon conceded the past three days had helped maintain focus to an extent. Sadly for Marussia and Chilton, technical issues meant the 22-year-old's race lasted for just 10 of the 53 laps.
Reflecting on the tumultuous events of the past week, Lowdon said: "It's been difficult because there's a team-mate missing.
"Your thoughts are certainly elsewhere. But equally, there's a race to run and that focuses the mind.
"That's why we're here and why Jules has been with us all year. It's been helpful for the guys to focus on their job.
"Everyone was very happy with the decision to run one car – we think it helped the guys in the team. Hopefully it's helped Jules and the family."
Lowdon then hailed his colleagues for their professionalism in the face of a situation from which it would have been easy to have shied away.
"I guess my job's the easy one. I've 70-odd people, some of them are young guns, and their job is incredibly difficult under normal circumstances," Lowdon added.
"It's arduous work. People think Formula One is all rock 'n' roll, but it's not. It's really hard work.
"So it's my job to give those guys everything they need to be able to do that, whether it's resources or the framework in which they can operate.
"They're a world-class bunch of people, so it's not for me to come along and say 'okay guys, today we have to stick together and work hard' or whatever. They do that anyway.
"What they want to see is we are carrying things out as a team in a way that engenders their respect. If people respect the organisation, they work for then everything else follows, and that's my job.
"I know from talking to the guys they are comfortable as a team we have done the right things in the last week which has been really difficult, and so they've had the ability to do their job."
But Lowdon is aware of what follows, adding: "Now we head back to the factory, and the first day there is not going to be easy. "We'll come up with a plan for the next race and through to the end of the season, and I'm sure the guys are up for it.
"As for anything else, it really depends on what kind of report we get from the hospital.
"We're in constant contact with the hospital and the family, through Jules' management team. I spoke to John (Booth, team principal) this morning about his condition, which is still stable but critical.
"The main thing for us is to make sure we're offering Jules and the family the support they need, which can take different forms. We'll do whatever we need to do to help the family out."
