Charlie Whiting has died, age 66
Charlie Whiting has died, age 66
F1 race director Charlie Whiting has passed away, age 66.
Whiting, who was in Melbourne for the start of the Formula 1 season and was seen in the paddock on Wednesday, suffered a pulmonary embolism on Thursday morning.
He passed away.
“It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie’s passing,” said FIA president Jean Todt.
“Charlie Whiting was a great race director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula 1 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.”
We are filled with immense shock and sadness at the news of Charlie Whiting's passing.
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
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2019
Whiting arrived in Formula 1 in 1977, working for the Hesketh team before moving onto Brabham.
Playing a pivotal role in Nelson Piquet 1981 and 1983 World Championship titles, he joined the FIA in 1988 and became race director nine years later.
A well-liked figure in the paddock, F1 has paid tribute to him.
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