F1 race director, Charlie Whiting has sadly passed away at the age of 66 in Melbourne, due to pulmonary embolism. The news comes just 3 days prior to the season opening Australian Grand Prix.
The FIA President, Jean Todt expressed his grieve over the passing of the F1 race director. He said:
“It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie’s sudden passing"
"I have known Charlie Whiting for many years and he has been a great Race Director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula One who embodied the ethics and spirit of this fantastic sport."
"Formula 1 has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador in Charlie.
"All my thoughts, those of the FIA and entire motor sport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula 1 lovers.”
Charlie Whiting joined the F1 ranks in 1977, when he began his career with Hesketh F1 team. He then moved to Brabham in the capacity of Chief Mechanic. Whiting then went on to join FIA as a Race Director in 1988, a role in which he has served for more than two decades.
Charlie Whiting is widely known for working towards improving the safety standards in Formula 1 as well as other forms of motorsports. He was also a Safety Delegate from the FIA and headed the race starts of each Formula 1 race.
“I have known Charlie for all of my racing life." commented Ross Brawn, Managing Director, Motorsports, Formula 1.
"We worked as mechanics together, became friends and spent so much time together at race tracks across the world.
"I was filled with immense sadness when I heard the tragic news"
"I’m devastated. It is a great loss not only for me personally but also the entire Formula 1 family, the FIA and motorsport as a whole. All our thoughts go out to his family.” added Ross Brawn.
Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff also commented on the tragic news, he said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Charlie's passing this morning."
"He was a pillar of our Formula One family"
"Balanced in his approach, subtle in his understanding and always with the interests of Formula One as his main focus.
"Charlie was a fantastic ambassador for our sport and a true guardian of its best interests; all of us who were lucky enough to know him will miss his ready smile and gentle humour."
Charlie Whiting is now expected to be replaced by former V8 Supercars' deputy race director Michael Masi for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.
Mattia Binotto, who assumed his new role as Ferrari team principal, said of the late F1 race director, "that he was a wonderful person."
“Charlie was a true professional and extremely knowledgeable"
"But more than that, he was a wonderful person, who always treated everyone with respect."
"A tireless and enlightened motorsport expert, he helped make F1 safer and better. He was a pillar of Formula 1."
"Our sport is diminished by his passing and we have lost a friend. He will be greatly missed.”
The tragic demise of one of the most highly respected people in Formula 1, has left the F1 fraternity mourning across the globe. Drivers, teams' staffs and fans alike, everyone shares the same grief and immense sadness. For indeed, the passing of Charlie Whiting has left an unfilled space.
Message by the staff at Motorsports Pakistan:
He will always be remembered in good memory by masses. Charlie dedicated his life to Formula 1, whether it be improving the safety standards or making the sport appealing, fair and just, and a spectacle for the fans.
His absence will be heavily felt when he will not be heading the race start 3 days later. His services to F1 and motorsports are highly remarkable and unforgettable.
May the great soul rest in peace.
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