It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of Charlie Whiting, the iconic Formula 1 Race Director for over 20 years.<\/p>\n
The Briton, close to Bernie Ecclestone, passed away at 66, on the night from Wednesday to Thursday, due to a pulmonary embolism in Melbourne, Australia, where he was preparing to launch the 2019 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n
The world of Formula 1 is in shock from this sudden announcement. Charlie Whiting was a highly respected and well-liked figure in the paddock. He was known to the general public as the man who started the Grand Prix races and as the one who conducted the traditional pre-race briefings with the drivers.<\/p>\n
The editorial team of Motors Inside extends its sincere condolences to the family of Charlie Whiting and his loved ones. Many tributes have continued to pour in following this terrible announcement: \u00ab It is with immense sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Charlie. I have known Charlie Whiting for many years, and he was an excellent 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 loyal friend and a charismatic ambassador in Charlie. All my thoughts, those of the FIA, and the entire motorsport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula 1 enthusiasts. \u00bb notably declared Jean Todt, President of the FIA, in a statement.<\/p>\n
The reactions from the world of Formula 1 unanimously mourned the death of a passionate figure who will leave an immense void in the paddocks he had frequented for over 40 years, starting with his debut with the Hesketh team in 1977.<\/p>\n
\nToto: \u201cOn behalf of the entire Mercedes motorsport family, I send our deepest sympathies to Charlie’s family and friends.” pic.twitter.com\/1E8JRESq0W<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 14 mars 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\noh dear.. my thoughts are with the family and friends. R.I.P. Charlie.. we\u2018ll miss you! pic.twitter.com\/LgLPPBufJJ<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Nico H\u00fclkenberg (@HulkH\u00fclkenberg) 14 mars 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nGod’s speed, Charlie. #f1<\/a> #fia<\/a> #CharlieWhiting<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/RQxIZgO5hP<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Damon Hill (@HillF1) 14 mars 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nThe entire motorsport community has suffered a huge loss today and is left behind with fond memories of one of the most fantastic figures in the history of our sport. Our sincerest condolences go out to Charlie Whiting’s family, friends and colleagues. #Formula1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SUIrqu7NTx<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Alfa Romeo Racing (@alfaromeoracing) 14 mars 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nVery sad news today with the passing of Charlie. He was a true @F1<\/a> lover and key figure of our sport. I’ll miss meeting and talking to him at races. He was always listening to the drivers and looking after our safety. He will be greatly missed.
All my thoughts to his family \ud83d\ude4f pic.twitter.com\/lflW2fhYiM<\/a><\/p>\n