Charlie Whiting has died

It was very sad news that shook the paddock of the Australian Grand Prix on Thursday morning with the announcement of the death of Charlie Whiting 

The race director and head of safety issues at the FIA ​​died in the night from Wednesday to Thursday after suffering a pulmonary embolism. The federation, which Whiting joined in 1988, confirmed this in a statement. 

Whiting started his career F1 in 1977 with the Hesketh stable before defending the colors of Brabham in the 1980s. 

Jean Todt confided his “ immense sadness » upon learning of the death of the man who had become F1 race director in 1997 and was preparing to begin a new season in this role. “ Charlie Whiting was a great racing director and a central and irreplaceable figure in the world of F1., declared the president of the FIA.

He perfectly embodied the spirit and values ​​of this fantastic sport. Formula 1 has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador. I send all my thoughts, as well as those of the FIA ​​and the entire motorsport community, to his family, friends, and fans of F1 ». 

« I've known Charlie forever, added Ross Brawn, F1 sporting director. It was while working as mechanics that we became friends. We spent so much time together on circuits around the world. It was with infinite sadness that I heard the news. I am devastated. This is a great loss, not only for me but also the entire F1 family and motorsport in general ». 

All AUTO editorial staffhebdo joins the FIA ​​and the FOM in conveying its most sincere condolences to the loved ones of Charlie Whiting.