Formula One race director Charlie Whiting died unexpectedly in Melbourne on Thursday morning on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix. He was 66.
Whiting was genuinely loved by many in the sport after his four-decade association with the sport, the last two in one of the most important roles in motorsport.
* JEAN TODT, FIA president: “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.”
* LEWIS HAMILTON, five-time Formula One world champion: “I’ve known Charlie since I started in 2007… what he did for the sport, his commitment, he really was an iconic figure.”
* ROSS BRAWN, Formula One motorsports managing director: “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. I was filled with immense sadness when I heard the tragic news. I’m devastated.”
* MARIO ANDRETTI, 1978 Formula One world champion: “Totally shocking news … Charlie was a true giant in our sport and very possibly irreplaceable. Sincere condolences to his family and everyone who appreciated this man.”
* CHRISTIAN HORNER, Red Bull Racing team principal: “Charlie has played a key role in this sport and has been the referee and voice of reason as race director for many years. He was a man with great integrity who performed a difficult role in a balanced way.”
* TOTO WOLFF, Mercedes team principal: “(Charlie was a) fantastic ambassador for our sport and a true guardian of its best interests.”
* MARK WEBBER, former Australian F1 ace: “Sad times with the passing of Charlie Whiting. You’ll be missed matey.”