F1 race director Charlie Whiting has today passed away suddenly ahead of the 2019 season opener.
According to an FIA, statement whiting died of a pulmonary embolism while in Australia for this weekends Grand Prix.
He was one of the most loved and respected figures in the paddock who work his way up the ladder stating out at Hesketh Racing before moving to Brabham and eventual joining the FIA becoming FIA director and safety delegate in 1997.
“It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie’s passing,” Said jean Todt FIA president
“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 motorsport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula 1 lovers.”
I would like to personally pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Whiting.
