Sports
* F1 race director dies in Melbourne * FIA says Whiting, 66, had pulmonary embolism * Season starts on Sunday
Updated : Mar 14, 2019, 09:32 AM IST
Formula One race director Charlie Whiting, a popular and key figure in the sport, has died three days before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the governing FIA said in a statement on Thursday. He was 66.
The Briton, who started his career working for the Hesketh team in 1977, died in Melbourne of a pulmonary embolism, it said.
"It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie's sudden passing," said Jean Todt, president of the International Automobile Federation.
"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 One has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador in Charlie."
Whiting, who had been race director since 1997, first worked in Formula One for defunct British outfit Hesketh before crossing to Brabham to work with the sport's former commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone in the 1980s.
He joined the FIA as a technical delegate in 1988.
As FIA director, Whiting was a driving force in pushing improved safety and played a key role in the introduction of the halo, the ring-like barrier fitted over the drivers' heads to protect them from heavy impacts and missiles.
The halo was credited with saving driver Charles Leclerc, now at Ferrari, from a potentially serious injury at last year's Belgian Grand Prix when Fernando Alonso's McLaren bashed against his Sauber's bodywork as it flew over the Monegasque's head.
The news was met with shock in the Formula One paddock where Whiting was close to drivers, with whom he conducted pre-race briefings and teams who sought technical guidance and clarifications.
"Charlie will be remembered as one of the giants of our sport, as well as a great colleague. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with all of his loved ones," former champions McLaren said on Twitter.
All at McLaren are shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Charlie Whiting's passing. Charlie will be remembered as one of the giants of our sport, as well as a great colleague. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with all of his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DmrSZAT4Cc
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 14, 2019
Red Bull tweeted: "We are shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie Whiting's passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues."
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie Whiting’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/gRDunCfb72
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 14, 2019
Ross Brawn, F1 managing director, said he was "devastated" to lose a friend and colleague.
"I have known Charlie for all of my racing life. We worked as mechanics together, became friends and spent so much time together at race tracks across the world," the former championship-winning boss of Brawn GP said in a statement. "I was filled with immense sadness when I heard the tragic news."
"SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team is deeply saddened by the news of Charlie Whiting’s sudden passing. Formula 1 has lost a great Race Director and a true gentleman, he will be deeply missed."
— SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) March 14, 2019
I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of Charlie Whiting's passing. Such a huge figure in the world of motorsport. All of my thoughts are with his family and his many friends right now. We’ll all miss him very much. https://t.co/yX8RqMixvF
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) March 14, 2019
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting. Charlie was one of the pillars and leaders of the sport. His drive to ensure exciting, safe and fair racing was unparalleled and his passion will be sorely missed.
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) March 14, 2019
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We are terribly saddened to hear of Charlie Whiting's passing. Charlie was a true legend of the sport and will be greatly missed. Everyone's thoughts at Williams are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/rWBjYuank9
— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) March 14, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear of our friend Charlie Whiting’s passing.
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 14, 2019
We send our condolences to his family at this difficult time. The entire motorsport community is in mourning. https://t.co/VlnvFVMxkh
Scuderia Toro Rosso is deeply saddened to hear the news Charlie Whiting, FIA Director of Formula One, has passed away.
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) March 14, 2019
The team sends its condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Charlie will be sorely missed by many in the Motorsport community
We are filled with immense shock and sadness at the news of Charlie Whiting's passing.
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2019
He will be remembered as a giant of the sport, as well as a dear friend to so many.
Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his friends and family.https://t.co/36pAcjjZOy
Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari is deeply saddened to hear that Charlie Whiting has passed away.
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 14, 2019
Comment from Team Principal Mattia Binotto https://t.co/fQxAxjuGmt
Toto Wolff: "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. pic.twitter.com/20XQLhm1Op
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) March 14, 2019
Very sad and surreal news ahead the Australian GP. Can’t believe it..
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) March 14, 2019
My thoughts are with the family and friends.
He’s done so much for the sport we love.
Rest in peace Charlie#VB77 https://t.co/7N3GqTz8ec
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas said on Twitter: "Very sad and surreal news ahead the Australian GP. Can't believe it.. My thoughts are with the family and friends. He's done so much for the sport we love."