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"Formula 1 has lost a loyal friend and charismatic ambbadador," says FIA President Jean Todt in a tribute to Whiting
Last updated: 14/03/19 02:31
Charlie Whiting, longtime race director for Formula 1, has died at the age of 66.
The FIA announced that Whiting was suffering from a pulmonary embolism Thursday morning in Melbourne, three days before the first race of the 2019 season.
"It is with great sadness that I learned of Charlie's pbading," said FIA President Jean Todt.
"Charlie Whiting was an excellent race director, a central and inimitable figure of Formula 1 that epitomized the ethics and spirit of this fantastic sport.
"Formula 1 has lost a loyal friend and Charlie charismatic ambbadador – all my thoughts, those of the FIA and the entire motor sport community, go out to his family, his friends and all Formula 1 lovers. . "
Whiting has become one of the most respected and valued characters of F1 over the past five decades in the paddock.
He began his F1 career in 1977 with the Hesketh team before joining Brabham in the 1980s, where he worked with team owner Bernie Ecclestone. The team won two world drivers' championships with Nelson Piquet and Whiting's chief mechanic.
Whiting joined the FIA, the governing body of F1, in 1988 and had held the position of race director of F1 since 1997.
He had ultimate responsibility for technical and safety issues in the sport.
Damon Hill's F1 Sky on Whiting
"It's a huge shock for everyone." He was one of those people you always thought was the voice of reason.
"He had a tremendous responsibility and a key role in maintaining this sport, and it will be very difficult if not impossible to replace.
"The drivers respected him particularly. He was talking to all the drivers at the drivers' meeting and we turned to him when we had problems, worries and worries.
"After Imola, in 1994, I spent a lot of time talking about safety with Charlie and I always knew that he would act as he should."
F1 pays homage to Whiting
All in McLaren are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Charlie Whiting's death. We will remember Charlie as one of the giants of our sport and a great colleague. Our most sincere sympathies and thoughts go to all his relatives. pic.twitter.com/DmrSZAT4Cc
– McLaren (@ McLarenF1) March 14, 2019
We are deeply saddened to learn of the pbading of our friend Charlie Whiting.
We send our condolences to his family during this difficult time. The entire motorsport community is in mourning. https://t.co/VlnvFVMxkh
– Haas F1 Team (@ HaasF1Team) March 14, 2019
Very sad to learn about the death of Charlie Whiting during the night. We will miss him a lot in the paddock and all the sport.
– Simon Lazenby (@simon__lazenby) March 14, 2019
We are terribly saddened to learn of the pbading of Charlie Whiting. Charlie was a true legend of the sport and we will miss him a lot. At Williams, everyone is thinking about their family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/rWBjYuank9
– ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) March 14, 2019
Very sad and surreal news in perspective of the GP of Australia. I can not believe ..
My thoughts are with family and friends.
He has done so much for the sport we love.Rest in peace Charlie# VB77 https://t.co/7N3GqTz8ec
– Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) March 14, 2019
Terrible news here in Melbourne on the eve of the new season, with the death of FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting. Admired and respected by all, his contribution to the sport was unprecedented and immense. We will miss him tremendously. RIP Charlie
– David Croft (@ CroftyF1) March 14, 2019
More soon…
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